Jos Buttler-led England cricket team defeated Rovman Powell's West Indies for a comfortable 8-wicket win in match 42 of the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, on June 20 (Thursday). Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow stole the show with their blazing knocks as they smashed the Windies bowlers all over the park. This was the first Super 8 game for both teams and the first loss for the hosts West Indies in this edition of the mega tournament, they were on a four-match win streak prior to this match.
WI post 180/4 on board
West Indies team posted 180/4 on the scoreboard. There was no half-century but everyone contributed with a significant score. The total appeared to be good as well until the English batters changed the tide of the match in their favour.
Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow's stunning knocks
Chasing 181 runs, the English side never seemed out of the chase. They progressed the scoreboard at a good pace and did not allow the run rate or the Windies' bowlers to build any pressure on them. Phil Salt smashed a blazing fifty. He scored 87 runs not out off just 47 balls. He was well supported by the star player Jonny Bairstow, who played a thunderous cameo of 48 runs off just 26 balls and helped the England team pick their first Super 8 win of the season.
Salt smashed 30 runs in a single over
West Indies needed to defend 40 runs in the final five overs, it was obviously not an easy task but a couple of wickets there could have potentially make things a little tricky. However, the 16th over bowled by Romario Shepherd actually took the game away from the hosts. Phil Salt smashed 30 runs in that over which included three sixes and three fours. This completely shifted the momentum in England's favour and ensured their victory.
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