England continued their dominant run against West Indies by winning the first T20 match after whitewashing them 3-0 in the ODI series. The match, played at Chester Le Street, saw wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler deliver a brilliant innings, scoring 96 runs, just four short of a century. His performance, combined with deadly bowling from Liam Dawson, helped England secure a 21-run victory and start the T20 series on a high note.

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bat first. Although early wickets threatened their innings with Ben Duckett dismissed in the second over, Buttler and opener Jamie Smith steadied the ship. The duo put on a strong 79-run partnership for the second wicket in 39 balls. Buttler played aggressively, hitting six fours and four sixes in his 59-ball innings. Smith contributed a quick 38 runs off 20 balls, while Jacob Bethell added 23 runs. England finished their 20 overs with a solid total of 188 for 6 wickets. Romario Shepherd was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, taking two wickets.

Chasing 189, West Indies started steadily with Evin Lewis and Johnson Charles adding 27 runs for the first wicket. However, wickets fell at regular intervals after this promising start. Except for Lewis, who scored 39 runs in 23 balls, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build momentum. West Indies managed only 167 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. England’s Liam Dawson was exceptional with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for just 20 runs in his 4 overs. Matthew Potts and Jacob Bethell chipped in with two wickets each. Dawson’s outstanding bowling earned him the Player of the Match award.