England Crushes Target, Takes 2-0 Series Lead with Style

England Outgun West Indies to Seal Series with Blistering Bristol Chase England 198/5 (18.3 overs) beat West Indies 196/5 (20 overs) by 5 wickets 🏆 England lead 2-0 in the three-match T20I series England’s newly aggressive batting blueprint paid off once again as they chased down a hefty 197-run target with nine balls to spare, securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead over West Indies in Bristol. Power from Both Sides, but England Prevail West Indies rained down 15 sixes in a bruising innings, including five in one over off Adil Rashid, whose 31-run concession was the second-most expensive over in England’s T20I history. Their 75 runs off the final four overs seemed enough to challenge any chase — but Jos Buttler (47 off 36) and Harry Brook (34 off 20) set the tone before Tom Banton (29 off 12) and Jacob Bethell (27 off 9) demolished the death bowling. Banton and Bethell combined for 56 off just 21 balls, blowing away any late nerves and highlighting England’s newly embraced depth and fearless tempo. Brook's Plan, Wood’s Execution Harry Brook, standing in as skipper, had said he wanted a "chase" and a "point of difference" — both came in the form of Luke Wood, making his return to international cricket after nine months: With a strong crosswind, Wood’s inswingers were lethal — his very first ball uprooted Evin Lewis, LBW for a golden duck. His two-over Powerplay spell went for just four runs, pinning down the usually explosive Windies top order and laying the foundation for the chase. Hope, then Hurt for Windies Shai Hope (65 off 39) looked imperious against England’s second seamer Brydon Carse, who leaked boundaries to the short straight side. The carnage culminated in Rashid’s horror 17th over, but the West Indies lacked bowling precision to defend their total on a flat pitch and small boundaries. Key Performers England 🏏 Jos Buttler – 47 (36), set the tempo 💥 Jacob Bethell – 27* (9), fearless finisher 💥 Tom Banton – 29 (12), counterattacked smartly 🔥 Luke Wood – 2-0-4-1, superb Powerplay spell West Indies 🏏 Shai Hope – 65 (39), classic strokeplay 💣 Sherfane Rutherford – 42* (13), late flurry of sixes 😖 Adil Rashid – 0-49 (4), expensive night