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Phil Salt taking down Romario Shepherd for 30 runs in an over was the highlight of England's dominant win over the West Indies in their T20 World Cup Super 8 fixture in St Lucia on Thursday, June 20. It proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the co-hosts in what was a disappointing bowling performance.
With 40 runs needed off 30 balls, Salt decided to put the foot on the accelerator upon seeing Shepherd coming in to bowl his second over. The idea from the all-rounder was to bowl slower balls into the pitch, but the first ball was right in the slot, and Salt deposited over the covers for a boundary to bring up his half-century.
Another slot ball followed and Phil Salt hit it over long off for a six, the wheels began to come off as a slower bouncer was helped on its way over the wicketkeeper for a boundary, followed by another six over long off.
Romario Shepherd panicked and ran out of ideas, bowling a short delivery that Salt helped on its way for a six over square leg. West Indies' misery ended with a full toss that Salt smashed over the covers for a boundary.
Here's a video of how the carnage unfolded:
Salt's 87* off 47 was beautifully complemented by Jonny Bairstow's 46* off 28 as England coasted home with eight wickets in hand and as many as 15 balls to spare.
"Phil Salt seems to be a different beast against West Indies" - Rovman Powell
West Indies captain Rovman Powell praised Phil Salt's knock and claimed that the latter is at his best when facing the Windies. Salt had hit back-to-back hundreds against the West Indies in the T20I series earlier this year.
Powell also agreed that West Indies were a bit under par with their target of 181 and told the host broadcaster after the game:
"I think we left 15-20 runs out there with the bat in the first innings. But, we should have done better with the ball too. Philip Salt seems to be a different beast against the West Indies! Every time he plays against us, he scores."
Windies are now in a must-win situation and they face the USA next on Saturday, June 22, in Barbados. Powell believes the West Indies still have destiny in their own hands.
