England and West Indies clashed in the second Super Eight match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St.Lucia, on June 20, 2024. England, led by Jos Buttler, won the toss and elected to field first against the West Indies, who were looking to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament. The match turned out to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess.
West Indies’ Start
The West Indies, who had been in red-hot form, started their innings with Brandon King and Johnson Charles at the crease. The pair made a solid start, taking the score to 40 for no loss in the fifth over. However, King was forced to retire hurt after picking up a groin complaint while attempting to drive a Sam Curren ball. Nicholas Pooran joined Charles at the crease and pushed the score to 54 runs at the six-over mark.
Pooran, known for his aggressive batting, targeted the English bowlers ruthlessly, hitting Mark Wood for a long-led side six in the eighth over. Although England managed to tighten the screws after the mid-innings break, the West Indies had already set a strong foundation with 82 runs in the first 10 overs.
England’s Chase
England’s chase began with Philip Salt and Jos Buttler opening the innings. Salt and Buttler put on 64 rounds for the first wicket, with Salt contributing 26 runs. Jonny Bairstow joined Buttler and the pair took the score to 101 for two at the end of the 12th over. Bairstow remained unbeaten on 48, helping England reach the target with ease.
England’s victory was set up by the strong partnership between Salt and Buttler, who laid the foundation for the chase. The English bowlers, particularly Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, kept the West Indies batsmen in check, limiting their scoring opportunities.
Key Moments
- Toss and Fielding Decision: England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field first, which proved to be a wise decision given the strong batting lineup of the West Indies.
- King’s Injury: Brandon King’s injury in the fifth over forced him to retire hurt, which disrupted the West Indies’ momentum.
- Pooran’s Aggressive Batting: Nicholas Pooran’s aggressive batting, particularly his six off Mark Wood, showed the West Indies’ ability to adapt to different situations.
- England’s Strong Partnership: The partnership between Philip Salt and Jos Buttler set the tone for England’s chase, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the innings.
Conclusion
The match between England and West Indies was a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. England’s decision to file first proved to be the right one, as they were able to limit the West Indies’ scoring opportunities. The strong partnership between Salt and Buttler set up England’s chase, and Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 48 ensured a comfortable victory for England. The match highlighted the strengths of both teams, particularly their batting lineups, and set the stage for an exciting finish in the Eighth stage of the tournament.