Phil Salt’s T20I Masterclass Secures England's Crushing Win Over West Indies

Phil Salt's impressive century (103* off 54) played a significant role in England's eight-wicket victory over West Indies in their maiden game of the five-match T20I series. It's noteworthy that all three of Salt's centuries have been scored against West Indies. England were able to chase the tough target of 183, largely due to Salt's remarkable performance and his unbeaten 107-run partnership with Jacob Bethell, who scored a quick 58* off 36. 

The run chase began with a smashing PowerPlay, with the visiting team scoring 73 runs, at the conclusion of which Will Jacks fell. However, Salt's destructive batting dominated the game. Although Akeal Hosain was respected for his consistent bowling, Salt brutally attacked the other bowlers, especially Shamar Joseph, whom he hit for 24 runs in the initial over. Jos Buttler's international return did not go as planned, as he was out for zero to Romario Shepherd. This dismissal closely followed Jacks', causing an opportunity for West Indies to rein back in the game.

Bethell however, quickly built an effective left-right combination, derailing West Indies' plans. The high scoring PowerPlay reduced the scoreboard pressure, enabling both batters to adopt a calculated approach without letting the bowlers gain an advantage. The pitch offered little aid to the bowlers, particularly the spinners. West Indies struggled, falling short of a competitive total by about 20-25 runs.

Earlier in the day, West Indies started with difficulty, being at a risky 18/3 after being asked to bat. Saqib Mahmood (4-34) took three early wickets, putting the home team under pressure. A series of dismissals left them slipping to 69/5 and 117/8. West Indies' depth of batting order turned out to be their saving grace, with powerful contributions from Andre Russell (30 off 17), Romario Shepherd (35*) and Gudakesh Motie (33*). However, their final score of 182 was easily chased down by England, thanks to Salt's match-winning performance.

The final scores were as follows: West Indies 182/9 (Nicholas Pooran 38, Romario Shepherd 35*; Saqib Mahmood 4-34, Adil Rashid 3-32), England 183/2 (Phil Salt 103*, Jacob Bethell 58*; Gudakesh Motie 1-45), with England winning by eight wickets.