England captain Jos Buttler lauded Jonny Bairstow’s impactful knock in their dominant eight-wicket victory against West Indies during the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
Chasing a challenging target of 181, England secured a comfortable win with both openers firing on all cylinders. While Phil Salt anchored the chase with an unbeaten 87, it was Bairstow’s blistering 48 off just 26 deliveries that stole the show in the middle overs. Their 97-run partnership in a mere 44 balls put the game firmly in England’s control.
Buttler, clearly impressed with Bairstow’s performance, showered praise on his teammate in the post-match presentation. He acknowledged Bairstow’s experience, calling it a “mature, senior player’s innings.” Buttler highlighted the importance of backing seasoned players like Bairstow, who can turn the tide of a match with their caliber.
This praise comes after Bairstow had limited opportunities leading up to the match. However, he grabbed his chance with both hands, showcasing his power-hitting prowess exactly when England needed it most. His knock arrived at a crucial juncture, with the West Indies innings setting a stiff target. Bairstow’s quickfire innings not only shifted the momentum but also provided valuable support to Salt at the other end.
Buttler also went on to acknowledge Adil Rashid’s contribution, calling him England’s “most important player.” This well-rounded performance from England keeps them firmly in contention for the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.
