Sat Nov 16 23:35:50 UTC 2024: ## Buttler Blasts England to Series Lead Against West Indies
**BRIDGETOWN, Barbados** – Jos Buttler smashed a breathtaking 83 off 45 balls, leading England to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second T20 International. This win gives England a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Buttler, batting at number three after Phil Salt was dismissed first ball, launched a brutal assault on the Windies bowling attack, smashing eight fours and six sixes, including one monstrous 115-meter hit. He shared a 129-run partnership with Will Jacks (38) before both fell in the same over. However, the damage was already done. Liam Livingstone’s unbeaten 23 ensured England chased down the West Indies’ 158-8 with 31 balls to spare.
The West Indies struggled throughout their innings, reaching 35-3 in the powerplay before Rovman Powell (43) anchored a recovery. However, once Powell fell to Dan Mousley’s impressive bowling (2-29), the Windies lower order, including contributions from Romario Shepherd and Terrance Hinds, could only muster a competitive, but ultimately insufficient, total.
England’s bowlers also performed well, with Saqib Mahmood (2-20) and Jofra Archer taking early wickets. Mahmood, despite struggling with control at times, proved crucial in dismantling the Windies’ batting order.
England captain Jos Buttler expressed satisfaction with his innings and his team’s performance, highlighting the importance of adapting to different batting positions. West Indies captain Rovman Powell acknowledged his team’s shortcomings across all three departments and expressed determination to fight back in the remaining matches. The series now moves to St. Lucia for the final three encounters.
First Piper 