Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : England has drawn first blood in their T20 series against the West Indies, securing a thrilling four-wicket victory at a packed Lord's stadium. Captain Jos Buttler was the architect of the win, smashing a blistering half-century to guide his team through a challenging chase under the lights.
After being put into bat, the West Indies posted a formidable total of 188 for 6, built on the back of explosive innings from Nicholas Pooran (58 off 35 balls) and captain Rovman Powell (45 off 21 balls). The visitors unleashed a trademark barrage of sixes in the middle overs, threatening to take the game away from England. However, clever death bowling from Jofra Archer and crucial wickets from spinner Adil Rashid helped peg them back to a total that felt competitive but gettable.
In reply, England's chase got off to a rocky start, losing opener Phil Salt early. But that only brought Jos Buttler to the crease, who immediately went on the offensive. Combining pure timing with brute force, the skipper dismantled the West Indian pace attack, racing to his fifty in just 24 balls.
Despite a late-innings wobble that saw a flurry of wickets fall, Liam Livingstone (34* off 18) held his nerve at the other end. He finished the game in style, launching a massive six over midwicket to carry England over the line with three balls to spare.
The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with both teams now heading to The Oval for what promises to be another explosive encounter.
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