West Indies found themselves facing another comprehensive defeat at the hands of England as opener Phil Salt’s outstanding second consecutive century powered the visitors to a convincing 75-run victory in the pivotal fourth Twenty20 International at Brian Lara Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a daunting target of 268 runs after Phil Salt’s remarkable 119 off 57 deliveries, West Indies struggled to mount a successful challenge and were eventually bowled out for 192 in the 16th over. While Nicholas Pooran (39) and Sherfane Rutherford (36) played explosive innings, they couldn’t carry on, and even Andre Russell’s rapid 51 off 25 balls couldn’t salvage the situation.
This defeat marked West Indies’ second consecutive loss, setting the stage for a series finale at the same venue on Thursday. West Indies captain Rovman Powell acknowledged England’s impressive performance but remained optimistic about the upcoming match.
‘We didn’t hit our plans’
“Credit has to be given where credit is due. I think Phil Salt and Jos (Buttler) batted really well up front,” Powell said. “Having said that, we didn’t hit our plans, but those things do happen. Thursday gives us an opportunity to come and do better.”
He added, “The boys like a final, it seems. We’ll come Thursday with brand new ideas, brand new plans, and see how best we can entertain our fans at home.”
England’s innings started phenomenally well with Salt and captain Jos Buttler, who contributed 55 off 29 balls, combining for a 117-run opening partnership. Salt went on to put on another 56 for the second wicket with Will Jacks (24) and later added 73 for the third wicket with Liam Livingstone (54 not out).
A formidable target for West Indies
Salt, the Man of the Match, reached his fifty off 23 balls and his hundred off 48 deliveries. He was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over, but by then, England had already plundered 84 runs from the last five overs, setting a formidable target for West Indies.
Facing the pressure of a record run chase, West Indies lost Brandon King to the first ball of the innings. Nicholas Pooran tried to raise the tempo with a quickfire 39, but his departure and the subsequent loss of key wickets put West Indies in a difficult position.
Despite some late heroics from Andre Russell, West Indies couldn’t recover, and England secured a convincing victory. Teenaged leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and left-arm pacer Reece Topley played crucial roles in England’s bowling efforts.
With the series level at 2-2, the final match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the T20 series.
