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England kicked off the T20I series against West Indies with an impressive all-round performance, clinching a 21-run victory in the 1st T20I at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. A star English batter set the tone with a commanding performance to guide England home in the series opener.
Jos Buttler anchors England’s charge with a stunning knock
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England got off to a flying start, courtesy of young Jamie Smith, who dazzled with a quickfire 38 off just 20 balls. However, it was Jos Buttler who stole the show, playing a fluent and authoritative knock of 96 off 59 deliveries, laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals through the middle overs, Buttler’s aggressive strokeplay kept England in control. Late contributions from Jacob Bethell (23 off 23) and Will Jacks helped England post a competitive 188/6 in 20 overs.
Romario Shepherd (2/33) was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, while Andre Russell and Roston Chase chipped in with a wicket each.
Liam Dawson’s 4-fer halts West Indies’ pursuit
In reply, West Indies started positively with Evin Lewis smashing 39 off 23 balls, but England’s bowlers soon turned the tide. Liam Dawson, returning to the side, delivered a game-changing spell, picking up 4 wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. His tight lines and clever variations derailed the West Indies chase at crucial moments.
Despite cameos from Roston Chase (24), Jason Holder, and Shepherd, the visitors failed to gain momentum and were eventually restricted to 167/9 in their 20 overs. Matthew Potts (2/48) and Bethell (2/27) supported Dawson well, while Adil Rashid also contributed with a tidy spell, picking up one wicket.
Also READ: Jacob Bethell returns as England name squad for the first Test against India
Here’s how fans reacted:
WELL PLAYED, JOS BUTTLER. 💥
– 96 (59) Vs West Indies in the 1st T20i. An outstanding knock by Buttler, missed out on a very well deserving century. 👏
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
JOS BUTTLER MISSED A DESERVING HUNDRED…!!!
– The Boss of England T20s doing his business, 96 from 59 balls against West Indies in the first T20I, What a knock from the main man. 👌
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
The Best T20 Batsman in the world – Jos Buttler. 🥶🔥
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_)
That's the thing about Jos Buttler
He is a fcuking T20 goat.
He should consider opening in Odis too, he deffo lost his finishing skills by playing too many t20s in this decade.— N (@Vk_is_goat)
Jos Buttler is the only batter among the top 10 run scorers in T20I cricket with a strike rate above 145.
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan)
WELL PLAYED, JOS BUTTLER. 🎉🎉
— Shruti Pandey 🚩 (@Pandeyshruti252)
Didn't quite reach his century, but that was some knock from Jos Buttler 🏴👑
96 off 59 – his highest T20 international score in England 👏
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy)
England have continued their unbeaten run against West Indies 💪
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
If there is one player who has faced the most injustice in English cricket history it has to be Liam Dawson 💔💔💔
— AntiBazballian ™ 🏏 (@rs_3702)
Liam Dawson only having 20 international appearances is a disgrace, by far the best spinner the country has produced since Swann barring Rashid in the white ball stuff, should be in all 3 teams no debate
— James (@JS121198)
Liam Dawson — almost 3 years since his last England cap, returns to open the bowling, takes 4/20 in 4 overs, and bags Player of the Match.
Anything is possible in life. Just keep at it. 👏
— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk)
This Liam Dawson lad’s a handy bowler. Where’s he been? 🙃
— Matt Watts (@MattWatts96)
It will always baffle me how little international cricket Liam Dawson has played, should’ve been a shoe in for all 3 formats over the last few years
— Luke🏴 (@SCFCLuke1)
Liam Dawson is the most underutilized player of decade
— CWM (@Cricketwithme15)
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