GROS-ISLET (St. Lucia) – Defending champions England beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup in St Lucia on Wednesday.
Chasing West Indies 180-4, England reached the winning target in 18 overs thanks to Phil Dooz’s 87 and Jonny Bairstow’s 48. Skipper Jos Buttler added 25 runs.
Earlier, Johnson Charles scored 38 as hosts West Indies reduced England to 181.
A solid England bowling performance restricted the West Indies to 180-4 from 20 overs, leaving the Group 2 match in the balance at the Darren Sammy National Stadium.
West Indies were in control with openers Charles and Brandon King as England won the toss and took the wicket.
Even after King retired for 23 in the fifth over, the run continued, with Charles Nicholas putting on a comfortable partnership with Pooran.
West Indies entered the innings on 82-0 and looked ready to collect the total.
But England spinner Moeen Ali succeeded after Charles was dropped in the deep by Harry Brook for 38 off 34 in 12 overs.
West Indies captain Rovman Powell announced his dismissal after blasting five sixes in a quickfire 36 off just 17 deliveries.
But after smashing Liam Livingstone for three sixes in 15 overs, the England bowler took revenge with Powell’s last delivery, attempting a top edge that was clipped by Mark Wood at short third man.
That left the score at 137-2 and Pooran fell soon after, with spinner Jos Buttler leaving the Windies on 141-3 from Jofra Archer.
Andre Russell took the wicket of Adil Rashid to 143-4, an unbeaten 28 from Sherfane Rutherford gave West Indies a more competitive total.
Rashid was England’s top bowler, taking 1-21 in four overs.
