Twitter Reactions: Phil Salt’s whirlwind ton decimates West Indies in first T20I

England won the first T20I against the West Indies at the Kensington Oval, in Barbados, by eight wickets on Sunday, November 10, to go 1-0 up in the five-match series. The Three Lions chased down a 183-run target with 19 balls to spare as Phil Salt starred with a sparkling century.

England captain Jos Buttler returned to action on Sunday as he won the toss and opted to field first. The West Indies lost three wickets for 18 runs inside the first four overs as Saqib Mahmood breathed fire. Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell played counter-attacking cricket and added 41 runs off just 17 balls in their fourth-wicket partnership before the West Indies skipper was dismissed by Adil Rashid. The in-form Sherfane Rutherford also departed in quick succession as the hosts lost half their side for 69 runs in the ninth over.

Andre Russell played a gem of a knock as he hit four sixes in his 17-ball stay at the crease and added 30 runs to West Indies total. Livingstone dismissed the dangerous all-rounder in the 13th over. Pooran’s knock of 38 off 29 balls ended in the following over as he became Jamie Overton’s first and only victim in the match. Akeal Hosein also departed soon after as the Caribbean side was reeling at 117/8 in the 15th over.

Gudakesh Motie played a blinder as he raced to 33 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Mahmood, who finished with figures of 4/34. Romario Shepherd remained unbeaten on 35 off 22 balls as the West Indies reached 182/9 in their 20 overs.

Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell power England to comprehensive win

In reply, England’s opening duo of Phil Salt and Will Jacks got their team off to a flying start as they added 73 runs in the first six overs. Jacks was dismissed for a 10-ball 17 before Buttler departed for a golden duck.

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However, this brought Jacob Bethell to the crease and the youngster played a stunning knock with Salt for company. They added 107 runs off 61 balls to take the visitors home with 3.1 overs to spare. Bethell remained unbeaten on 58 off 36 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Salt finished on 103* off 54 balls in a knock that comprised nine fours and six maximums.

Here’s how the fans  reacted to England’s stunning win: