Cricholic
📝 Match Overview
Dawson delivered a match-winning spell as England defeated West Indies by 21 runs in the opening T20I at Chester-le-Street. After Jos Buttler’s sublime 96 off 59 balls powered England to a strong total of 188/6, it was Liam Dawson’s cunning spell of 4/20 that sealed the deal. His spin masterclass on a sluggish track completely dismantled the visitors’ middle order and handed England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
🔥 Powerplay Fireworks: Buttler and Smith Attack
With Phil Salt absent due to paternity leave, Jamie Smith opened the batting. He looked confident, finding three boundaries in the opening over. Though Ben Duckett (1 off 4) fell early, Buttler, promoted to No. 3, joined Smith and played himself in.
They shifted gears quickly. In the 5th over, Andre Russell was taken for 22 runs. The next over by Alzarri Joseph went for 23, putting England firmly in control at 78/1 at the end of the powerplay.
🧊 Middle Overs Pressure
West Indies responded with off-pace bowling and tighter lines. The change in tactics brought quick success:
- Jamie Smith fell for 38 (20)
- Harry Brook managed just 6 (5)
- Tom Banton struggled for 3 (4)
Jacob Bethell tried to anchor but never really got going (23 off 23). Buttler, however, stood tall, manipulating gaps and accelerating with innovative strokes. He was finally trapped LBW in the 19th over—just 4 runs short of a well-deserved hundred.
🏏 England Innings: 188/6 in 20 Overs
- Jos Buttler – 96 (59)
- Jamie Smith – 38 (20)
- Romario Shepherd – 2/33
🏹 West Indies Response: Strong Start, Weak Finish
Chasing 189, the West Indies started well. Evin Lewis looked in aggressive touch, hammering 39 off 23 balls. Roston Chase began with a six and kept the scoreboard ticking with 24 off 20.
However, once England introduced spin, the visitors began to wobble.
🎯 Dawson Strikes Crucial Blows in Middle Overs
🧠 Dawson Gets Charles Early
Liam Dawson opened his account by deceiving Johnson Charles (18) with a well-flighted delivery that dipped and turned. The pitch offered grip, and Dawson used his angles cleverly.
💥 Dawson’s Double Strike Dents West Indies
In the 12th over, Dawson claimed two wickets, breaking the West Indies backbone. His smart changes of pace, control, and reading of the conditions were exemplary.
No other batter crossed 20 after that. West Indies went from 91/3 to 167/9, never recovering from Dawson’s game-changing over.
🧱 Bethell Gets His Revenge
Although Bethell was smashed for 24 in one over, he returned to dismiss the dangerous Lewis, ending any hopes of a big West Indian finish.
❌ West Indies Innings: 167/9 in 20 Overs
- Evin Lewis – 39 (23)
- Roston Chase – 24 (20)
- Liam Dawson – 4/20
- Jacob Bethell – 2/27
✅ England Win by 21 Runs
Lead the 3-match T20I series 1-0
📌 Key Takeaways
- Dawson’s 4-wicket haul was the match-defining moment
- Buttler once again proved why he’s a T20 powerhouse
- West Indies struggled with spin in the second half of their innings
- England’s bowling strategy on a slow pitch was near perfect
