* Salt peppers Romario Shepherd for 30 runs in 16th over – Super 8 – (Match 42)
By Dwayne Ferreira
In a commanding display of top-order batting, England cruised to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Gros Islet, with 15 balls to spare in their Super Eight clash at the T20 World Cup 2024. Phil Salt’s blistering 87 not out, supported by Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 48, propelled the defending champions to an emphatic win.
Chasing 181, England made the target look effortless, thanks to a 97-run partnership between Salt and Bairstow. The match, held at the Darren Sammy National Stadium, saw England opting to bowl first. The West Indies got off to a strong start, posting 72 runs in seven overs despite losing Brandon King to a side strain.
Adil Rashid, the standout bowler for England, took 1 for 21 in his four overs and, along with Moeen Ali, slowed down the West Indies’ momentum. Johnson Charles was dismissed by Moeen, and Rovman Powell, promoted to No. 4, managed a quick 36 before being caught by Mark Wood off Liam Livingstone.
The West Indies’ middle-order collapse saw them lose three wickets for just six runs in 12 deliveries. Jofra Archer and Rashid struck to remove Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell, respectively. However, Sherfane Rutherford’s late blitz of 28 from 15 balls, including 13 off Wood in the 18th over, pushed the West Indies to a competitive 180 for 4.
England’s chase began solidly, reaching 58 without loss after six overs. Jos Buttler’s wicket fell at 67, trapped lbw by Roston Chase, and Moeen Ali quickly followed. Nevertheless, Salt and Bairstow ensured there were no further hiccups.
Salt’s assault in the 16th over against Romario Shepherd was particularly devastating, hitting three fours and three sixes to equal the most expensive over conceded by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history. Salt’s half-century came off 38 balls, and he maintained his aggression to see England home comfortably.
The West Indies missed an early opportunity to dismiss Salt, who was dropped on seven by Nicholas Pooran. This miss proved costly as Salt went on to play a match-winning knock, leaving the West Indies to lament their missed chances and inadequate bowling.
England’s victory sends a strong message to their Super Eight rivals, showcasing their batting depth and ability to chase down challenging targets with ease.
Chief Scores
West Indies 180 for 4 in 20 overs (Johnson Charles 38, Nicholas Pooran 36, Rovman Powell 36, Sherfane Rutherford 28 not out, Moeen Ali 1 for 15)
England 181 for 2 in 17.3 overs (Phil Salt 87 not out, Johny Bairstow 48 not out, Jos Buttler 25, Roston Chase 1 for 19)
Player of the Match – Phil Salt
