England experienced their first setback in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies as the hosts successfully chased a formidable target of 219 in the fourth match held in St. Lucia on Saturday. Although England had already secured a 3-0 lead in the series, the defeat served as a valuable learning experience for Jos Buttler’s youthful squad.
England set an imposing total of 218/5 in their 20 overs, driven by Phil Salt’s 55 off 35 deliveries and a scintillating, unbeaten 62 from 21-year-old Jacob Bethell. Bethell’s innings, featuring five massive sixes—including three consecutive hits off Roston Chase—showcased his immense potential.
In response, the West Indies showcased their prowess. Despite a slow start that yielded only five runs in the first two overs, including a maiden from Saqib Mahmood, openers Evin Lewis and Shai Hope launched a ferocious counterattack. Their remarkable 136-run partnership in just nine overs propelled the home side into a commanding position and set the stage for their highest successful T20 chase on home soil.
Reflecting on the loss, England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the exceptional performance of the West Indies while emphasizing the learning opportunities for his team. “To chase 219, regardless of the conditions, the opposition needs to perform exceptionally well, and credit to the West Indies—they did just that. If we had managed to take a wicket earlier, it might have been a different outcome. Matches like this highlight the importance of execution and skill, particularly against top-tier teams. It’s been an eye-opener in terms of the standards we must set for ourselves and the areas we need to improve,” Buttler remarked.
One standout performer for England was young spinner Rehan Ahmed, who claimed three critical wickets, including those of Lewis and Nicholas Pooran. Filling in for the rested Adil Rashid, Ahmed demonstrated his potential as England’s future frontline spinner. Buttler praised the 19-year-old’s courage and adaptability: “Rehan got us back in the game by being brave, taking risks, and using his variations. He’s confident, thrives on challenges, and has done exceptionally well. It’s encouraging to see him step up as the main leg-spinner in Rashid’s absence. Rash has been a vital member of our team, but we also need to give others exposure to understand what it’s like to play without him.”
Under Rovman Powell’s leadership, the West Indies secured their first win of the series and will aim for another strong performance in the fifth and final T20I as they look to end the series on a high note.