TAROUBA, West Indies: Phil Salt hit a superb 119 from just 57 balls as England beat West Indies by 75 runs to level their Twenty20 international series 2-2 and set up a series decider tomorrow (Thursday).
England set a team record of 267 for three in their 20 overs at the Brian Lara Academy, powered by Salt’s aggressive stroke play and swift half-centuries from skipper Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone. This marked the second-highest innings score in matches between full member nations. Despite a rapid start by West Indies, their wickets fell quickly, leading to a final score of 192 in 15.3 overs.
Initially trailing 2-0 in the series and having lost the ODI series, England faced a potentially demoralizing end to their tour. However, they now have an opportunity to clinch the series at the same venue.
Salt, continuing his exceptional form from the previous victory in Grenada, launched an emphatic assault on the hosts’ bowlers. Partnering with skipper Jos Buttler, they amassed a formidable 117-run opening partnership before Buttler fell for 55.
Will Jacks contributed a quick 24 from nine balls, aiding in a rapid 56-run partnership. Meanwhile, Liam Livingstone’s aggressive batting ensured the run-rate stayed high, scoring 54 from 21 balls.
Salt’s entertaining innings, characterized by ten sixes and seven fours, ended when he was bowled by Andre Russell in the penultimate over. His score of an unbeaten ton marked the highest by an Englishman in T20 internationals.
West Indies struggled in their reply, losing wickets early on. Despite Nicholas Pooran’s aggressive start, the team faltered as wickets continued to fall rapidly. Andre Russell’s powerful 51 off 25 balls, including five sixes, offered a glimmer of hope, but England sealed the win when Russell was caught by Harry Brook off Topley.
