Mon Nov 11 17:06:59 UTC 2024: ## Salt Smashes Century, England Dominate West Indies in T20I Opener

**Bridgetown, Barbados:** Phil Salt smashed his third T20I century, a record-breaking feat, as England thrashed West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

Salt, who had previously scored centuries against the West Indies in back-to-back matches last year, finished unbeaten on 103 off just 54 balls, hitting nine fours and six sixes. His blistering knock guided England home with 19 balls to spare, chasing down a target of 183.

Earlier, West Indies, led by Rovman Powell, posted a respectable 182/9 in their 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran (38), Romario Shepherd (35*), Gudakesh Motie (33), and Andre Russell (30) were the main contributors for the home side. England’s bowling attack was led by Saqib Mahmood, who took four wickets for 34 runs, while Adil Rashid claimed three wickets.

Salt and fellow opener Will Jacks got England off to a flying start, putting on a 50-run partnership in the first four overs. While Jacks was dismissed for 17, Salt continued his onslaught, reaching his fifty in just 25 balls. After the loss of skipper Jos Buttler and the introduction of debutant Jacob Bethell, Salt and Bethell built an unbroken 107-run partnership to seal the victory.

This dominant performance sets the tone for the series, with England looking to continue their winning momentum in the remaining matches.

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