Jos Buttler shines on comeback, steers England to an emphatic win over West Indies in 2nd T20I

England claimed a commanding seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the 2nd T20I at Kensington Oval, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

England restricts West Indies for 158

West Indies’ innings started poorly after put in bat first, with England’s bowlers keeping tight control. Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood set the tone early, claiming the scalps of Brandon King (1) and Evin Lewis (8) within the powerplay. The middle order struggled to find rhythm, with Nicholas Pooran laboring for 14 off 23 balls. West Indies briefly found momentum thanks to Rovman Powell’s 43 off 41 balls, including two fours and two sixes, though the innings’ real spark came later on.

The late-order cameos from Romario Shepherd, who struck a quick 22 off 12 balls with four boundaries, and Matthew Forde, with a brisk 13 off 6, helped West Indies reach a respectable total. However, England’s bowling unit remained effective throughout, with Mahmood (3-20) and Dan Mousley (2-29) leading the attack. Liam Livingstone also chipped in with two wickets, dismissing Pooran and Sherfane Rutherford in his two-over spell.

Jos Buttler’s power-hitting propels England to victory

Set a target of 159, England’s chase was unfazed despite the early loss of Philip Salt for a golden duck, bowled by Akeal Hosein. Will Jacks steadied the innings with an efficient 38 off 29 balls, hitting five fours and a six, providing the foundation for England’s response.

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Captain Jos Buttler’s knock stole the show, showcasing remarkable power-hitting. Buttler, who returned to action after recovering from a calf injury, blasted eight fours and six maximums, driving England toward victory with an authoritative 83 off just 45 balls. He was well-supported by Liam Livingstone, whose rapid 23 not out off 11 deliveries added further pressure on the West Indies bowlers, especially Shepherd, who conceded 42 runs in his 2.5 overs.

The West Indies’ bowling attack struggled to contain England’s onslaught, with Hosein’s economical 1-24 in four overs being a lone bright spot. The rest of the bowlers endured a tough outing, as England reached 161/3 with 31 balls to spare.

This victory gace England a 2-0 lead in the series after their win in the first T20I by eight wickets. England’s aggressive style with the bat and disciplined bowling have set them as favourites to clinch the series in the upcoming matches. West Indies, on the other hand, will need to regroup and bring sharper bowling efforts to keep the series alive.

The third T20I is set to take place on Thursday, November 14, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia, where the West Indies will hope to bounce back and turn their fortunes around.

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November 11, 2024 at 10:43AM