NEW DELHI:
Phil Salt
's explosive century propelled
England
to a resounding 75-run victory over West Indies in the fourth Twenty20 international, leveling the series 2-2 and setting the stage for a thrilling decider on Thursday.
Batting first at the Brian Lara Academy, England set a team record of 267 for three in their 20 overs, marking the second-highest innings score in a match between full member nations.
Salt smoked 10 sixes in record century
Salt, the hero of England's victory in Grenada on Saturday, continued his blazing form, smashing a sensational 119 from just 57 balls. His onslaught included an impressive ten sixes and seven fours, making it the highest score by an Englishman in T20 internationals.
England's aggressive innings saw swift half-centuries from skipper
Jos Buttler
(55) and Liam Livingstone (54), establishing a commanding total. Will Jacks played a crucial role, contributing 24 from nine balls in a rapid 56-run partnership.
Shaky start for Windies
In pursuit of the challenging target, West Indies got off to a shaky start as Brandon King was dismissed with the first ball of the innings. However, Nicholas Pooran's aggressive response, scoring 20 off Moeen Ali's opening over, suggested a formidable chase.
The West Indies innings featured a powerful 51 from Andre Russell, including five sixes. Despite Russell's efforts, England's bowlers, led by Reece Topley, ensured wickets fell at crucial moments.
Topley claimed important wickets, including the dismissal of Russell, and wrapped up West Indies for 192 in 15.3 overs.
Salt's form, a good sign for England
Salt's outstanding form ahead of the T20 World Cup in June bodes well for England, and he expressed his enjoyment of touring the Caribbean.
"The tweaks that I've made to my game in the last six months from a mental approach point of view... it's good that I'm seeing the rewards now," Salt remarked.
England's skipper, Jos Buttler, praised the team's bravery and skill, calling the victory a "fantastic win."
It was raining sixes!: The match featured a total of 33 sixes, showcasing the aggressive and fearless approach from both teams.
Windies are ready for finale
West Indies captain
Rovman Powell
credited England's exceptional performance but emphasized his team's readiness for the series decider on Thursday.
"The boys like a final, it seems. We'll come into Thursday with brand new ideas and plans," Powell stated.
The series decider promises to be a thrilling clash as both teams vie for T20 supremacy at the Brian Lara Academy.
(With inputs from AFP)
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