England National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard: England edged past West Indies in a high-scoring thriller at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, to win the second T20I by 4 wickets with 9 balls to spare. With this victory, England now leads the 3-match T20 series 1-0 after the first game was washed out. Chasing 197 for victory, England rode on clinical performances from Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and a blazing finish from Tom Banton to chase down the total in just 18.3 overs.
West Indies Post Competitive 196/6
West Indies, put into bat after losing the toss, posted a competitive total of 196 for 6 in their 20 overs. Shai Hope anchored the innings with a composed 49 off 38 deliveries, while Johnson Charles added 47 off 39 at the top.
Captain Rovman Powell played a brisk cameo, smashing 34 off just 15 balls, lifting the Windies close to the 200-mark. England’s bowlers had their task cut out, but Luke Wood stood tall with figures of 2 for 25 in his 4 overs, including key wickets during the middle overs. Jacob Bethell and Brydon Carse chipped in with a wicket each.
England’s Power-Hitters Deliver
In response, England’s top-order fired in unison. Captain Jos Buttler gave his side a fluent start with 47 off 36 balls, setting the tone for the chase. Harry Brook kept the scoreboard ticking with a quickfire 34 off 20 balls.
But it was Tom Banton’s explosive unbeaten 30 off just 11 balls that changed the course of the match in the death overs. Walking in when the game was in the balance, Banton showcased incredible composure and power-hitting as he wrapped up the chase with a flurry of boundaries and sixes.
West Indies tried to fight back with the ball, with Alzarri Joseph taking 2 wickets for 45 runs. Jason Holder (1/30) and Roston Chase (1/15 from 1 over) also made breakthroughs, but their efforts fell short in the face of England’s calculated aggression.
Luke Wood Named Player of the Match
For his excellent spell with the ball, which helped restrict West Indies from crossing 200, Luke Wood was adjudged Player of the Match. His ability to contain the opposition during crucial overs and pick wickets played a vital role in England’s win.
The series now moves to its decider with England leading 1-0. The final T20I promises to be a cracker as West Indies look to level the series, while England will be aiming to close it out on a high.
Match Summary:
- West Indies: 196/6 (20 overs)
- Shai Hope 49 (38), Johnson Charles 47 (39), Rovman Powell 34 (15)
- Luke Wood 2/25 (4), Jacob Bethell 1/24 (3)
- England: 199/6 (18.3 overs)
- Jos Buttler 47 (36), Harry Brook 34 (20), Tom Banton 30* (11)
- Alzarri Joseph 2/45 (4), Jason Holder 1/30 (3.3)
- Result: England won by 4 wickets with 9 balls remaining
- Series: England lead 1-0 in the 3-match T20I series
- Venue: Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
- Toss: England won the toss and opted to bowl first
- Player of the Match: Luke Wood (2/25 in 4 overs)
