England have kicked off the three-match T20I series on a winning note by thumping the West Indies by 21 runs in the first T20I played in Chester-le-Street. Jos Buttler's electrifying knock of 96 (59) set the tone for a big score as England posted 188 for the loss of six wickets. Liam Dawson starred with the ball in the second half, claiming figures of 4-20 to hand England a comfortable 21-run victory. 

England Innings

The home side copped an early blow as Romario Shepherd produced a gem of a delivery to dismiss the in-form Ben Duckett cheaply inside the second over. But England's recovery was swift as Jamie joined hands with Buttler and notched up a formidable 79-run stand for the second wicket to propel themselves to a commanding position. However, the former was dismissed by Shepherd on 38 during the last ball of the ninth over. Wickets kept tumbling around Buttler as Brook and Banton succumbed immediately after leaving England 116-4 by the 12th over. Nevertheless, Buttler was unfazed and he carried on his whirlwind knock to singhlehandedly counter the WI bowlers. Bethell played the second fiddle along with Buttler and added a run-a-ball 23. Buttler eventually fell short of his century and was dismissed by Joseph inside the 18th over, and England failed to cross the 200-run mark as a result of that wicket.

West Indies Innings

Coming in to chase a target of 189 runs, the West Indies received a solid beginning from their opening batsmen.  England struggled initially, but they put the squeeze on with their spinners through the middle overs. After Lewis (39 off 23) fell approximately at the midpoint, the West Indies experienced a significant breakdown during the middle overs, resulting in the loss of all their momentum in their pursuit of the target. The English spinners operated skillfully during the middle overs, most notably Liam Dawson, who bagged 4-20 to leave the explosive WI batting gasping for breath. They got wickets in clusters and pushed the West Indies on the back foot completely, and never allowed them to recover. Potts and Bethell also played their part, picking two wickets apiece, but erred on the higher side. At 130-8, it was all but over for the West Indies, but Shepherd and Holder mustered a few runs in the backend to drag the visitors to 167-9.

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England vs West Indies: Match Scorecard

England – 188/6 (20 Overs)

West Indies – 167/9 (20 Overs)