England’s explosive batting performance levels the series at 2-2 ahead of the decider.

Phil Salt’s explosive century propelled England to their highest-ever T20 score, as they levelled the series at 2-2 against the West Indies with a dominant performance in Trinidad. Salt followed up his match-winning century in Grenada with another brilliant knock, smashing 10 sixes and seven fours to finish with 119 off 57 balls at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.

Salt’s belligerent innings broke England’s previous record for the highest T20 score by an individual batter, surpassing Alex Hales’ 116. England posted a massive total of 267 for three, with Jos Buttler (55 off 29 balls) and Liam Livingstone (54 off 21 balls) contributing significantly in an explosive middle order, ensuring England reached the fifth highest total in T20 history.

Salt’s back-to-back centuries in the Caribbean — having scored 109 not out in Grenada — were instrumental in levelling the five-match series. England’s previous highest T20 score of 241 for three, set against New Zealand in 2019, was easily eclipsed. Buttler and Salt shared a stand of 117 in just 9.5 overs, laying a solid foundation for Livingstone to accelerate in the final overs.

The West Indies’ bowlers struggled throughout, with debutant Matthew Forde leaking 54 runs from three overs, and both Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie conceding 55 each from four overs. Akeal Hosein was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming one for 36, but the Windies were left with an impossible task as they set out to chase the colossal target.

In response, the West Indies managed to reach 192 before being bowled out, with Reece Topley taking three wickets for 37. The chase got off to a poor start with the dismissal of opener Brandon King on the first ball bowled by Moeen Ali. Despite some aggressive hitting from Nicholas Pooran (39 off 15 balls) and Sherfane Rutherford (36 off 15 balls), the West Indies never really threatened the target.

Andre Russell top-scored for the hosts with 51, but England’s bowlers, including Sam Curran and Rehan Ahmed, ensured that victory came swiftly, confirming a comfortable win for England with a significant margin.

The series now heads into a decisive final match, where England will aim to seal the series after a dominant all-around performance.