Coming into this game, Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow were under some pressure to perform with the bat. After losing Jos Buttler in the seventh over during the run-chase of 181, Phil Salt took responsibility, played the role of sheet anchor, and, together with Jonny Bairstow, put on a match-winning stand to help England win their first Super Eight game of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, handing West Indies their first loss of the tournament at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.
The co-hosts got off to a strong start with the bat, but Brandon King’s groin injury slightly hindered their momentum. Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran took their time to settle, with the hosts reaching 82 for 0 at the halfway mark. The introduction of spin made scoring difficult for both Charles and Pooran.
Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were brought in after the fielding restrictions were lifted, tightening the run flow with their disciplined bowling. Moeen Ali eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Charles, and Liam Livingstone took a wicket soon after. Moeen then struck again to send back Pooran for a 34-ball 38. Rovman Powell threatened England with sheer power, hitting three sixes off a single Livingstone over but was dismissed trying for a fourth. Jofra Archer returned to take the prized wicket of Nicholas Pooran, capitalising on the pressure created by the spinners.
Andre Russell couldn’t inflict much damage and followed Pooran back to the pavilion soon after, with the Men in Maroon losing three wickets for just six runs, denting their scoring rate. Sherfane Rutherford played a crucial cameo towards the end, helping West Indies post a competitive total on the board.
After seeing how well England’s spinners bowled, West Indies started with Akeal Hosein. England openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt were cautious, initially. Buttler managed to hit a couple of boundaries, allowing Salt to settle. Salt was given a lifeline when he was dropped by Pooran off Hosein’s bowling, a mistake that proved costly. Buttler and Salt forged a 67-run opening partnership, providing England with a solid platform to chase down the total.
Moeen Ali, sent in at No. 3, batted with intent but couldn’t stay at the crease for long. While Salt struggled to find the boundary, Jonny Bairstow eased the pressure by dominating the partnership. Hosein’s expensive 15th over, where he conceded 16 runs, significantly eased the run-chase. Recognising the need to seal the game, Salt dismantled Romario Shepherd for a 30-run over, tying the record for the most expensive over bowled by a West Indies player in T20 World Cups. England then comfortably wrapped up the game with eight wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare.