With Phil Salt’s second century in as many games, England tied the series with the West Indies by scoring the most runs in T20 cricket history.
At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago, England scored 267-3 thanks to Salt’s 119 runs off 57 balls, which included 10 sixes.
Liam Livingstone (54) and captain Jos Buttler (55) both had outstanding batting performances during an incredible innings that ranks fifth in T20 international history.
The West Indies responded by scoring a lot of runs, but they also lost wickets at crucial moments and were bowled out for 192 with more than four overs left in the 20 overs.
This is England’s second straight victory, and it sets up an exciting semifinal match at the same location on Thursday.
After the game, Buttler remarked, “A fantastic win.” Wasn’t it similar to being at the Hong Kong Sixers tournament?
“We had a lot of character. Again, Phil Salt, that’s a fantastic effort to back it up with two hundred consecutive runs.
“I am incredibly proud of the group for demonstrating our response after falling behind 2-0. to demonstrate one’s bravery, courage, and, ultimately, ability to carry it out.
“I’m happy for the guys, and the changing room exudes confidence.”
England was allowed to bat first and quickly settled in. During their 117-run partnership, Salt and Buttler hit some absolute bombs, with Salt’s bat producing three consecutive sixes.
Jason Holder dismissed Buttler, and Will Jacks scored an explosive twenty-four off of just nine balls.
After Jacks was out, Livingstone came to the crease and took up the mantle, reaching his best score of 54 not out of 21 balls.
With barely an over left, Andre Russell bowled Salt, but the visitors had already done too much damage.
The hosts’ pursuit could not have gotten off to a worse start when Moeen Ali removed Brandon King with the opening ball.
The theme of the innings was the West Indies lost four wickets while scoring 87 runs in a frantic first six overs.
The hosts fell to 120-7 when Rehan Ahmed removed Sherfane Rutherford and Holder with consecutive balls. Russell, who top scored with 51, then skied a wild swipe into Harry Brook’s grateful hands from a Reece Topley delivery to complete a well-earned England victory.