Jos Buttler and Liam Dawson starred as England began their new T20I chapter under Harry Brook with a convincing 21-run victory over the West Indies on June 6. Buttler delivered a commanding innings of 96 off 59 balls — his highest T20I score on home turf — carrying much of England’s batting burden. Meanwhile, Dawson, making a return to the side, was the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 20 in his four overs, instrumental in dismantling the West Indies’ chase.
England posted a solid 188, propelled mostly by Buttler, who reached his fifty in just 24 balls but had to pace the innings carefully thereafter due to lack of consistent support, as wickets fell regularly. Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell were the only other batsmen to pass double digits. The hosts began strongly, reaching 78 for 1 at the powerplay’s end, but the pitch started favoring spin, which Dawson exploited expertly.
West Indies’ chase faltered early when Dawson struck to dismiss Johnson Charles, followed by Shai Hope falling to debutant Matthew Poots. Evin Lewis threatened briefly, hammering 24 runs off Jacob Bethell in one over, but his dismissal on the last ball curtailed momentum. Dawson then quickly removed Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford, effectively sealing the match.
England’s spinners, particularly Adil Rashid, applied pressure with tight bowling, leaving West Indies requiring 98 off the last 10 overs. Dawson capitalized on the pressure, dismissing key players and earning Player of the Match honors for his pivotal role.
West Indies’ middle order struggled to make meaningful contributions, leaving them with much to rethink ahead of the second T20I scheduled for June 8 in Bristol.
