The West Indies men’s cricket team continued to struggle on their tours of England, extending their run of away defeats to ten in a row with a loss in the second T20 international at Bristol. Despite posting a competitive total of 196 for 6, the visitors fell short as England chased it down, securing a 4-wicket victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Chasing 197 to win, England looked in trouble at 71 runs needed off 39 balls with two key wickets fallen Jos Buttler and Harry Brook leaving the game poised in West Indies’ favor. That’s when Tom Banton turned the tide decisively. Coming in the middle order, Banton immediately swung the momentum with a first-ball six and maintained an audacious approach that ultimately sealed the victory. His 30 runs off just 11 balls included an array of innovative shots, notably a reverse-flick four off Jason Holder, showcasing both skill and nerve under pressure.
Banton’s partnership with Jacob Bethell proved crucial. The two combined for 43 runs in just 15 deliveries, dismantling the West Indies bowling attack. Bethell also played a powerful role, smashing three towering sixes off Alzarri Joseph, one of which famously landed on the roof of nearby apartments overlooking the Bristol County Ground. This rapid scoring ensured England kept ahead of the required run rate during the critical middle overs of the chase.
England’s captain, Harry Brook, celebrated his fifth win out of five as permanent captain, signaling a turnaround after difficult tours in India and Pakistan earlier in the year. Brook expressed hope that this exciting brand of cricket would attract more fans and attention to the England men’s team.
The match began under ominous skies with Luke Wood making his first England appearance since September 2023. Wood wasted no time making an impact, bowling a toe-crushing delivery that trapped Evin Lewis LBW on the first ball. Although Wood conceded just four runs in his initial overs, his fellow seamer Liam Dawson was more expensive, leaking 20 runs in his first two overs in his comeback game. England’s seam-heavy bowling plan on a small ground showed some risk but ultimately proved effective.
West Indies’ captain Shai Hope showed fighting intent at number three, racing to 49 with some powerful sixes over long-off. However, he was undone by Adil Rashid’s clever leg-spin, which led to a sharp stumping by Buttler. Rashid’s late spell was a highlight, exemplifying his control and guile.
The West Indies batting lineup showed depth despite missing Nicholas Pooran, rested after the IPL. Sherfane Rutherford fell cheaply, but Johnson Charles contributed a patient 47 off 39 balls. Rovman Powell was explosive, scoring 34 runs off just 15 deliveries, attacking aggressively during the middle overs. Holder’s quickfire 29 off nine balls was particularly damaging towards the end of the innings.
West Indies’ final overs, including Romario Shepherd’s powerful hitting, produced 31 runs in one over, keeping hopes alive. However, the total of 196 was still deemed below par given the small boundaries and pitch conditions. England’s bowlers, particularly Wood, were credited for keeping the pressure on, with Wood finishing with two wickets for 25 runs.
During England’s innings, Buttler initially steadied the ship, putting on 63 runs with Ben Duckett in the first seven overs. Despite a couple of near dismissals due to fielding lapses, Buttler fell for 47, caught in the deep off Akeal Hosein, who had joined the squad late due to visa delays.
Brook’s dismissal by Roston Chase left the chase tense, but Banton’s fearless approach prevented any further slip-ups. Sweeping the off-spinner for six and maintaining a brisk strike rate, Banton ensured England crossed the finish line comfortably with nine balls to spare.
Ultimately, England’s aggressive middle-order batting, backed by sharp bowling and fielding moments, ensured they dominated the match’s crucial stages and clinched a commanding series lead, leaving the West Indies still searching for answers on their challenging tours abroad.
