Opening the innings, Buttler formed a destructive 79-run stand with Jamie Smith, who made the most of his opportunity in Phil Salt’s absence by scoring a rapid 38 off 20 balls. England capitalised early, targeting West Indies’ pace attack, particularly punishing Alzarri Joseph, off whom Buttler took 22 runs in a single over. Though spinners Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase stemmed the flow in the middle overs, Buttler powered on, racing to 50 from 25 deliveries before slowing slightly. His hopes of a maiden home T20 century were dashed on 96 when Joseph trapped him lbw.
England’s total of 188 for six looked formidable, especially as the West Indies were without Akeal Hosein, who missed the match due to visa issues stemming from recent changes in UK immigration policy affecting Trinidad and Tobago nationals.
In response, West Indies were immediately under pressure thanks to left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, making his first England appearance in nearly three years. Recalled after a lengthy absence, Dawson made an instant impact, taking four wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. He opened the bowling and struck in his second over, luring Johnson Charles out of his crease for a stumping.
England had opted for a spin-heavy attack with only two frontline seamers, a strategy potentially aimed at next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Dawson’s control and effectiveness alongside Adil Rashid highlighted the potential of such a tactic. Rashid was typically reliable, and his 16th over virtually sealed the win as West Indies’ hopes faded.
Matt Potts, on his T20 international debut, had a mixed outing. Though he dismissed Shai Hope early, he also conceded heavily and bowled a no-ball due to a fielding infringement. Evin Lewis provided a brief counterattack with some powerful hitting but perished for 42, trying to take on Jacob Bethell, who was also making his debut and proved expensive.
West Indies reached 167 for nine, falling short despite some middle-order resistance. Dawson claimed key wickets at crucial moments, including Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell, while Ben Duckett held two catches on the boundary. England’s combination of spin control and early aggression with the bat proved decisive in sealing a convincing series-opening win.
Jos Buttler returned to England’s T20 setup in style, smashing a scintillating 96 off 59 balls to help England secure a 21-run victory over West Indies in the opening game of the three-match series. Playing his first T20 international since stepping down as white-ball captain, Buttler looked unburdened as he delivered a commanding display with the bat.
Opening the innings, Buttler formed a destructive 79-run stand with Jamie Smith, who made the most of his opportunity in Phil Salt’s absence by scoring a rapid 38 off 20 balls. England capitalised early, targeting West Indies’ pace attack, particularly punishing Alzarri Joseph, off whom Buttler took 22 runs in a single over. Though spinners Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase stemmed the flow in the middle overs, Buttler powered on, racing to 50 from 25 deliveries before slowing slightly. His hopes of a maiden home T20 century were dashed on 96 when Joseph trapped him lbw.
England’s total of 188 for six looked formidable, especially as the West Indies were without Akeal Hosein, who missed the match due to visa issues stemming from recent changes in UK immigration policy affecting Trinidad and Tobago nationals.
In response, West Indies were immediately under pressure thanks to left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, making his first England appearance in nearly three years. Recalled after a lengthy absence, Dawson made an instant impact, taking four wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. He opened the bowling and struck in his second over, luring Johnson Charles out of his crease for a stumping.
England had opted for a spin-heavy attack with only two frontline seamers, a strategy potentially aimed at next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Dawson’s control and effectiveness alongside Adil Rashid highlighted the potential of such a tactic. Rashid was typically reliable, and his 16th over virtually sealed the win as West Indies’ hopes faded.
Matt Potts, on his T20 international debut, had a mixed outing. Though he dismissed Shai Hope early, he also conceded heavily and bowled a no-ball due to a fielding infringement. Evin Lewis provided a brief counterattack with some powerful hitting but perished for 42, trying to take on Jacob Bethell, who was also making his debut and proved expensive.
West Indies reached 167 for nine, falling short despite some middle-order resistance. Dawson claimed key wickets at crucial moments, including Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell, while Ben Duckett held two catches on the boundary. England’s combination of spin control and early aggression with the bat proved decisive in sealing a convincing series-opening win.
