Phil Salt's Smashing Century Leads England to Victory

Phil Salt's commanding century propelled England to an eight-wicket win over West Indies in the first T20 match in Barbados. Despite Jos Buttler's return resulting in a golden duck, Salt's unbeaten innings secured England's record T20 run chase at Kensington Oval.

An exceptional century from Phil Salt was pivotal as England triumphed over the West Indies with an eight-wicket win in the inaugural T20 international of their five-match clash in Barbados. This victory came as a relief following skipper Jos Buttler's challenging return from injury.

Buttler, winning his first toss in four months, chose to field first. Despite lower-order efforts from West Indies' Gudakesh Motie and Romario Shepherd, a formidable target of 183 was set. Salt's unbeaten performance, complemented by Jacob Bethell's debut T20I half-century, helped England chase this down, marking the highest-ever T20I pursuit at Kensington Oval.

After their 2-1 win in the one-day series, West Indies are determined for a T20 come-back as the series continues in Bridgetown. With Alzarri Joseph absent following a ban, Salt and Bethell dominated, overcoming challenges with style to lead England to a series opening victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)