Phil Salt’s second successive century helped England hit their highest T20 international total in a chaotic 75-run win over West Indies to level the series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday.
Chasing a record 268 after the right-handed Salt carved out an astonishing 119 off 57 deliveries yesterday, the West Indies never quite got their act together and folded for 192 all out in the 16th over. Nicholas Pooran (39) and fellow left-hander Sherfane Rutherford (36) produced explosive knocks but failed to carry on, and the result was already a foregone conclusion by the time Andre Russell flexed his shoulders in a rapid 51 off 25 balls at number seven.
In batting first, Salt’s astonishing 119 – the highest score by an England men’s batter in the format – came from just 57 balls and included 10 sixes as the tourists finished with 267-3.
West Indies kept up with the imposing run-rate during their entertaining chasing effort, but regular wickets cost them, the hosts falling to 192 all out.
Russell kept swinging and counted three fours and five sixes in the process, his 40-run eighth wicket stand with Akeal Hosein (15) coming in vain as left-arm pacer Reece Topley (3-37) snatched two at the death to end the West Indies’ resistance.
“Credit has to be given where credit is due. I think Phil Salt and Jos Buttler batted really well up front,” said West Indies captain Rovman Powell. “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 and brand new plans and see how best we can entertain our fans at home.” Sent in, England were handed a phenomenal start by Salt, who belted seven fours and ten sixes as he laid the foundation for his side’s total of 267 for three—the highest T20I total by a Full Member nation in T20Is.
It will be all to play for in the final Twenty20 International between West Indies and England on December 21.