Cricket Highlights, June 20: WC 2024 (Match 42) – West Indies vs England

West Indies vs England (Match 42) – Highlights

In this write-up, we’re diving into England’s sensational triumph against the West Indies during their Super Eight showdown in the T20 World Cup 2024. England’s dominant display, led by Phil Salt’s invincible 87 not out and Jonny Bairstow’s resilient 48 not out, underscored their prowess as they effortlessly pursued a challenging target of 181 runs.

The defending champions chased down their target of 181 with ease, thanks to a clinical 97-run partnership between Salt and Bairstow, sealing the win with 15 balls to spare. At the Daren Sammy National Stadium, with a batting-friendly pitch ready for action, Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to field first, setting the stage for an exciting contest. Despite an early scare, with West Indies reaching 72 for 1 after seven overs, England’s spinners turned the tide.

Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali played pivotal roles in stifling the West Indies’ momentum. Rashid was particularly effective, conceding only 21 runs in his four overs and taking a crucial wicket. Moeen Ali also made a significant contribution by dismissing Johnson Charles. Rovman Powell, promoted to number four, initially struggled but found his rhythm against Liam Livingstone, hitting him for three sixes in one over before falling to a catch by Mark Wood.

The dismissal of Powell triggered a middle-order collapse, with the West Indies losing three wickets for just six runs in the span of 12 deliveries. Jofra Archer and Rashid were instrumental in this phase, with Archer removing Nicholas Pooran and Rashid accounting for Andre Russell. Despite a late surge from Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 28 off 15 balls, the West Indies could only reach 180.

Rovman Powell’s brief flurry of sixes briefly ignited the Saint Lucian crowd, but his dismissal by Livingstone for 20 runs proved costly. The West Indies captain’s gamble on Livingstone did not pay off, and subsequent quick wickets shifted the match decisively in England’s favor.

Jofra Archer’s performance was a highlight for England. His tight line and pace troubled the West Indies’ batsmen, culminating in the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran. Archer’s economy rate and consistency have made him a key player in England’s bowling attack, showcasing his return to form after a prolonged injury layoff.

England’s chase began steadily, with the openers reaching 58 without loss after six overs. The breakthrough came when Roston Chase trapped Buttler in front, ending the opening stand at 67. Moeen Ali’s brief appearance at number three did little to dent England’s momentum, as Salt and Bairstow took control.

Phil Salt’s initial burst saw him score 35 off 20 balls during the powerplay. Although he slowed down in the middle overs, Bairstow picked up the pace, hitting 46 off 21 balls by the 16th over. Salt then unleashed a brutal attack on Romario Shepherd, scoring 30 runs in one over and bringing up his half-century. The pair’s onslaught ensured a comfortable victory for England.

Bairstow’s aggressive approach provided the impetus England needed, especially when he targeted Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein. His quick scoring relieved the pressure on Salt and highlighted the importance of strategic decisions in T20 cricket. The West Indies, despite some individual brilliance, struggled to contain England’s batsmen.

England’s superior running between the wickets and efficient strike rotation contrasted sharply with the West Indies’ performance. The hosts recorded 51 dot balls, the most ever in a T20 World Cup innings of 180 or more. England, on the other hand, made better use of the conditions, running more twos and even managing a three in the fourth over.

A scintillating 87 not out from Phil Salt, supported by an unbeaten 48 from Jonny Bairstow, powered England to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in St Lucia. This performance sent a strong message to the other teams in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024.

West Indies vs England Scoreboard

West Indies– 180/4(20.0)

England – 181/2(17.3)

Result – England won by 8 wickets

Player of the match – Phil Salt

Phil Salt

West Indies vs England Playing XIs

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