In a thrilling match during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 round at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, England secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over the West Indies.
England’s chase of 181 runs was executed brilliantly as they reached their target in just 17.3 overs. Phil Salt played a phenomenal innings, remaining unbeaten with 87 runs off 47 balls. His explosive knock included seven fours and five sixes, with a particularly devastating assault on Romario Shepherd in the 16th over where he scored 30 runs.
Contributing significantly alongside Salt was Jonny Bairstow, who scored 48 runs off 26 balls, comprising five fours and two sixes. The duo shared an unbeaten partnership of 97 runs in just 44 balls for the third wicket, which effectively steered England to victory.
Earlier in the match, the West Indies had posted a competitive total of 180-4 after being put in to bat first by England. They made a solid start with openers Johnson Charles and Brandon King, who unfortunately had to retire hurt due to injury after scoring 23 runs off 13 balls. Charles top-scored with 38 runs off 34 balls, while Nicholas Pooran contributed 54 runs in 41 balls.
Rovman Powell’s fiery cameo of 36 runs off 17 balls, which included five sixes, bolstered the West Indies’ total. However, England’s bowlers managed to keep the West Indies in check during the latter stages of their innings, conceding just 43 runs in the last five overs and picking up crucial wickets.
Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for England, finishing with figures of 1-21 in his four overs. Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone also chipped in with a wicket each.
This victory marked England’s successful start in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, while the West Indies faced their first defeat in the tournament.
