England’s dominance in the five-match T20 series against the West Indies continued with a resounding 7-wicket victory in the opening clash at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The tourists, riding on a blistering knock from Jos Buttler (83) and a crucial partnership with Will Jacks (38), achieved a comfortable win, moving 2-0 up in the series.
England’s bowling attack laid the foundation for their victory, dismantling the West Indies top order early on. Saqib Mahmood (2-20) and the returning Jofra Archer (1-31) wreaked havoc in the powerplay, with Liam Livingstone (2-16) also chipping in with impressive figures. The hosts, who won the toss and opted to bat, were left reeling at 80-5.
Rovman Powell (43) provided some resistance with a valiant knock, but his innings was cut short by Dan Mousley (2-29). Despite a late surge, the West Indies could only manage 158-8. Their hopes of a victory were further dashed when Phil Salt, who had starred in the series opener, was dismissed off the first ball of England’s chase.
However, Buttler’s brilliance ensured a smooth chase for England. The English captain smashed six sixes in his 45-ball innings, forging a game-changing 129-run partnership with Jacks for the second wicket. Liam Livingstone (23*) then provided the finishing touches, smashing a quickfire unbeaten knock to see England home inside 15 overs.
England’s bowlers continued their dominance in the second innings. Mahmood’s opening over, despite conceding eight wides, yielded the first breakthrough, with Brandon King (1) edging to Livingstone at mid-off. Archer then struck in the next over, dismissing Evin Lewis (8) to leave the West Indies struggling at 12-2.
Roston Chase (13) and Nicholas Pooran (14) attempted to rebuild the innings but were dismissed by Mahmood and Livingstone, respectively. Powell and Rutherford (1) fell in quick succession to leave the hosts in dire straits at 80-5.
Powell, despite a valiant effort, was dismissed by a brilliant yorker from Mousley, while Gudakesh Motie (9) and Shepherd (22) fell victim to Overton and Mousley, respectively. The West Indies finished on a strong note, scoring 73 runs in the last six overs, but the damage had already been done.
England’s pursuit of victory was ignited by Buttler’s ferocious hitting. He launched three consecutive boundaries in a 23-run over to end the powerplay, with Jacks complementing his efforts. Buttler brought up his half-century off just 32 balls, smashing Chase for successive sixes and a boundary.
The partnership was finally broken when Jacks was caught by Forde, but by then, England had taken control of the match. Buttler, despite being dropped by Rutherford, fell in the next over, caught by Powell. Livingstone then closed out the chase with two boundaries and a big six, securing a convincing victory for England.
With this victory, England are now well on their way to wrapping up the series and extending their dominance over the West Indies. They will be aiming to secure a series win in St Lucia on Thursday.
