England registered an emphatic victory over the West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2024, chasing down a challenging target of 181 runs with ease. The English side secured the win with eight wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare, largely thanks to Phil Salt’s unbeaten 86 and Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 46. The match, held in St Lucia, saw West Indies’ bowler Romario Shepherd conceding a staggering 30 runs in a single over.

A formidable target set by the West Indies

West Indies, put in to bat first, managed to post a competitive total of 180 runs in their 20 overs. The team’s effort was a collective one, with crucial contributions from Rovman Powell, who scored a quickfire 36 off 17 balls, and Sherfane Rutherford, who added a brisk 28 off 15 balls. Their innings provided the necessary momentum to set a formidable target for England.

Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow’s sensational partnership

Chasing 181, England lost opener Jos Buttler to Roston Chase‘s off-spin at a critical juncture. However, Salt’s relentless onslaught, supported by Bairstow, forged a sensational third-wicket partnership that steered England towards victory. Salt’s aggressive batting was highlighted by his brutal treatment of Romario Shepherd during the 16th over.

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Phil Salt’s explosive assault against Romario Shepherd

In a remarkable display of power-hitting, Salt dismantled Shepherd’s bowling in the 16th over. Salt began the over by smashing a full delivery outside off over the covers to complete his fifty. He followed this with a massive six over the sightscreen on the second ball. The third delivery, a slower ball, was ramped over the wicketkeeper.

The fourth ball, a length delivery outside off, was dispatched over wide long-off for another six. Salt then pulled a short ball over deep backward square leg for another six, despite it being a slower delivery. He concluded the over with a full toss outside off, sending it over cover for four more runs. This 30-run over, the most conceded by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history, drastically tilted the match in England’s favour.

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England’s clinical finish

Salt’s aggressive 86* and Bairstow’s steady 46* ensured England chased down the target with ease, reaching 181 with 15 balls to spare. This dominant performance not only secured their first win in the Super Eights stage but also boosted their position in the points table.

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