Jun 20, 2024
Phil Salt's explosive 87 not out off just 47 balls powered defending champions England to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in their T20 World Cup Super Eight clash on Wednesday.
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Salt's swashbuckling innings, featuring seven fours and five sixes, took place at the Daren Sammy National Stadium in St. Lucia.
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Jonny Bairstow added an unbeaten 48 as England chased down the West Indies' total, finishing at 181-2 in 17.3 overs after restricting their opponents to 180-4.
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Salt, named Player of the Match, sealed the victory in style by smashing 30 runs off West Indies bowler Romario Shepherd in the 16th over, which included three sixes and three fours.
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This victory marked a significant turnaround for England, who had struggled in the initial group stage and faced potential elimination.
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England's additional runs came from skipper Jos Buttler, who scored 25, and Moeen Ali, who contributed a brisk 13.
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Earlier, England's disciplined bowling performance held the West Indies to a modest total of 180. After England won the toss and chose to bowl, the West Indies started well with openers Johnson Charles and Brandon King.
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Despite King retiring hurt for 23 in the fifth over, the runs kept flowing as Charles formed a solid partnership with Nicholas Pooran.
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The West Indies reached 82-0 at the halfway mark, poised for a big total. However, England spinner Moeen Ali made the breakthrough, catching Charles in the deep off Harry Brook for 38 off 34 balls in the 12th over.
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Andre Russell's dismissal for one by Adil Rashid left the West Indies at 143-4, but an unbeaten 28 from Sherfane Rutherford helped them reach a more competitive total.
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