Phil Salt’s sensational unbeaten century guided England to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first T20I of their five-match series in Barbados. Chasing a target of 183, England reached 183 for 2 with 3.1 overs to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Salt, who has a remarkable affinity for the Caribbean, smashed 103* off 54 balls, including six sixes and nine boundaries. His knock was the cornerstone of England’s chase after West Indies posted 182 for 9 earlier in the day. Salt’s third T20I century – all of which have come in the West Indies – was a masterclass in aggressive batting, including a fiery 22 runs off a single over from Shamar Joseph.
He was well-supported by Jacob Bethell, who made 58* from 36 balls, including a delightful six over cover in the final stages of the chase. The pair shared an unbroken 107-run partnership, which took England to victory with ease.
Earlier, West Indies had fought back with some lower-order contributions. After being reduced to 117 for 8, Romario Shepherd (35*) and Gudakesh Motie (33) put together a brief revival, adding 39 runs off 26 balls. Motie slammed 33 from just 14 balls, including two sixes off Adil Rashid, while Shepherd remained unbeaten on 35.
Saqib Mahmood was the standout bowler for England, taking career-best figures of 4 for 34. He claimed three early wickets in the powerplay, including that of Brandon King (3) and Evin Lewis (13), and returned to close out the innings with his fourth wicket. Mahmood’s spell broke the back of the West Indies’ batting, despite a late charge from the lower order.
England’s bowlers were further aided by the brilliant fielding of captain Jos Buttler, who took two spectacular catches, one at slip to dismiss Sherfane Rutherford and another in the deep to remove Pooran.
The match also saw injury concerns for England, with Reece Topley limping off after suffering a knee strain, although he had bowled a key over in the middle stages before being forced off.
Salt’s masterful knock and Mahmood’s dominant bowling performance secured a comprehensive win for England, who will look to extend their series lead in the second T20I on November 11.
Match Scorecard: WI vs ENG, 1st T20I, Bridgetown, 9 Nov 2024
West Indies
Nicholas Pooran – 38 (29 balls)
Romario Shepherd – 35* (22 balls)
Gudakesh Motie – 33 (14 balls)
Bowling
Saqib Mahmood: 4/34 (4 overs)
Adil Rashid: 3/32 (4 overs)
Liam Livingstone: 1/21 (3.2 overs)
England
Phil Salt – 103* (54 balls)
Jacob Bethell – 58* (36 balls)
Will Jacks – 17 (10 balls)
Bowling
Romario Shepherd: 1/45 (3.5 overs)
Gudakesh Motie: 1/45 (4 overs)
Match Result: England won by 8 wickets
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