England started their T20 series against the West Indies with a solid 21-run win at Durham’s Riverside Ground on Friday.
Former skipper Jos Buttler led the way with a powerful knock of 96 runs from 59 balls. Liam Dawson also made a strong return to the national team, taking four wickets and helping seal the win.
This victory followed England’s clean sweep (3-0) in the ODI series under new captain Harry Brook. Riding that wave of momentum, they continued their dominance in the shorter format.
England won the toss and chose to bat first against West Indies in First T20. They posted a total of 188 for 6 in 20 overs. The West Indies gave a good fight but could only manage 167 for 9. Romario Shepherd was the last man out, dismissed on the final delivery.
Buttler walked in after Ben Duckett was out early. He quickly found his rhythm and reached fifty in just 25 balls by the eighth over. He thrilled the crowd with three sixes and a smart scoop for four in a powerful over against Alzarri Joseph.
Now 34, Buttler looked relaxed and confident. Since stepping down as white-ball captain in February after England’s Champions Trophy exit, he seems to have regained his natural flow. He hit six boundaries and four sixes in his innings.
He needed just four more runs for a century, but Joseph trapped him lbw in the second-last over. Still, it was his highest T20I score at home.
In reply, the West Indies made a quick start but lost wickets early. Johnson Charles was stumped by Buttler off Dawson for 18. Captain Shai Hope went cheaply, caught by Duckett off debutant Matthew Potts for just 3.
At the end of the powerplay, West Indies were 44 for 2. In comparison, England were 78 for 1 after six overs.
Evin Lewis tried to anchor the chase, scoring 39 off 23 balls. However, Jacob Bethell removed him, caught by Brydon Carse.
Dawson made a big impact in his comeback game. He sent Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase back in quick time. Later, he bowled Rovman Powell to leave West Indies struggling at 115 for 6. Dawson finished with superb figures of 4 for 20 from his four overs.
After being named Player of the Match, Dawson said, “It feels great to help the team win. When you post a big score like 190, you can bowl smart. Tonight, everything clicked. I was nervous since it’s been over three years, but I’m glad to contribute.”
West Indies skipper Shai Hope admitted his team needed to improve. “We’ve got to move on quickly. There are two more games to turn the series around.”
The England vs West Indies second T20 match is scheduled for Sunday in Bristol.
