West Indies Secure Four-Wicket Victory Over England in T20 Opener
The West Indies clinched a four-wicket win against England in the first T20 match in Bridgetown, showcasing a remarkable comeback after a dominant start by the visitors. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, and Phil Salt guided the team to 77-0 at the powerplay’s end, reaching 112-2 at the halfway mark. However, a second-half collapse led to England being bowled out for 171, with Andre Russell being the standout bowler, claiming 3-19.
In response, the West Indies had a strong start but faced resistance from England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who marked his 100th T20 international match by taking his 100th wicket. After a brief rain delay, England’s Rehan Ahmed took two wickets in two balls, momentarily disrupting the hosts. Nevertheless, experienced players Rovman Powell and Russell swung the momentum back in the West Indies’ favor.
With Powell hitting back-to-back sixes against Liam Livingstone, the West Indies regained control, and Russell contributed to the swift conclusion of the match. Powell finished unbeaten on 31 from 15 balls, and Russell sealed the win with 29 not out from 14 deliveries. The victory puts the West Indies 1-0 ahead in the five-match T20 series, with the next game scheduled in Grenada on Thursday.
England, after a powerful start with openers Salt and Buttler, struggled to maintain momentum in the latter part of their innings. Despite the rain-altering conditions, the team’s batting woes and the loss of eight wickets in the last 10 overs contributed to their defeat. Captain Buttler expressed the team’s intent to be positive but acknowledged the challenge of finding the right balance in scoring. The defeat highlights England’s ongoing struggle to establish batting consistency.
West Indies’ all-rounder Andre Russell, named the player of the match, expressed his satisfaction with the performance. West Indies’ captain Powell acknowledged the team’s top performance but noted the need for improvement in controlling the powerplay. The series outcome remains uncertain, providing both teams with opportunities for growth and adjustments.
