The combined forces of Brendon King, Rovman Powell and the West Indies bowlers allowed the home side to secure another win, going 2-0 up in the T20I series against England. The home side secured a 10-run victory over the visitors, with the Windies’ bowlers putting up a stiff resistance to guide their side across the line. After a defeat in the ODI series, Buttler’s men once again find themselves in an uncomfortable and unwanted position with this T20 series slipping out of their hands as well.
King, captain lead charge, go 2-0 up in ENG vs WI T20s
England’s plan backfired after Buttler decided to put WI to bat first after winning the toss. West Indies opener Brendon King was arguably the standout batsman of the lot. King smashed 5 sixes and 8 fours as he remained 82*(52) at the end of the first innings. While Pooran, Hetmyer, Kyle Myers and Shai Hope failed to fire, it was skipper Rovman Powell who rose to the occasion.
Powell scored a quick-fire 28-ball fifty, studded with 5 sixes and 3 fours to help his side set a good target. For England, spinners Adil Rashid and Tymal Mills picked up two wickets each. Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Rehan Ahmed picked one scalp each.
In reply with the bat, England failed to go all guns blazing, some that doesn’t align with the ‘Bazball’ approach. Buttler (5) was dismissed cheaply yet again while the others failed to get going. Sam Curran was the standout among the visitors, having been the only one in the team to score a fifty,
Curran’s knock of 50(32) amid a Windies bowling attack executing their plan to perfection was the only positive for England. Alazarri Joseph was the star of the night with the ball as he finished his spell with figures of 3/39. Akeal Hosein picked up two wickets, Jason Holder and Motie picked one scalp each.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, King – who was the POTM – said, “It was important, having lost so may wickets, to bat deep as possible. That was the objective, worked out well. Over the past few years, I have been more consistent. (Structuring the innings) It’s not the same everyday, had to play the situation. Had to build the partnership. We’ve prepared well, everyone is playing with confidence.”