BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — England’s Phil Salt delivered a blistering performance with the bat, smashing a rapid 103 not out off just 54 balls, to lead England to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first T20 International on Saturday.
Salt’s powerful century, laced with nine boundaries and six sixes, anchored England’s record-breaking chase of 183, the highest ever at the iconic Kensington Oval.
Salt’s incredible knock earned him the Player of the Match honor, and he was ably supported by Barbadian native Jacob Bethell, who struck an impressive 58 off 36 balls in his T20I debut. Together, Salt and Bethell cruised to 183 for two in only 16.5 overs, giving England a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and delighting the packed crowd in Barbados.
The West Indies had earlier managed to recover from a precarious 69 for five to set a target of 182 for nine, thanks to valuable contributions from Nicholas Pooran (38), Andre Russell (30), Romario Shepherd (35 not out), and Gudakesh Motie, who hammered a quick-fire 33 from 14 balls. England’s Saqib Mahmood was instrumental with the ball, taking four wickets for 34 runs, while Adil Rashid claimed three for 32, helping to contain the hosts’ score.
Salt’s innings began with a bang
Salt’s innings began with a bang, as he smashed Shamar Joseph for a six and four consecutive boundaries in the fourth over, quickly racing to 40 off just 17 balls. He reached his half-century with a pair of towering sixes off Gudakesh Motie in the sixth over. Despite losing Will Jacks and Jos Buttler, Bethell joined Salt at the crease, and the two punished the West Indies bowling attack with a dominating 107-run partnership.
Salt brought up his century by dispatching Shepherd for yet another boundary in the 17th over, while Bethell rounded out his maiden T20I half-century shortly before Salt’s milestone. Bethell then sealed England’s victory with a final six off Shepherd, leaving the crowd thrilled by the display of power and precision.
Reflecting on the match, Salt’s innings set a new standard for England’s T20 side, while the West Indies will look to recover quickly as they prepare for the second game of the series at the same venue on Sunday.
