Phil Salt's explosive 87 not out off just 47 balls powered defending champions England to a commanding eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in their T20 World Cup Super Eight clash on Wednesday. Salt's dazzling innings, featuring seven fours and five sixes, led England to 181-2 in 17.3 overs at the Daren Sammy National Stadium in St. Lucia, comfortably chasing down the West Indies' total of 180-4.

Salt, named Player of the Match, clinched the victory with an incredible 30-run over off Romario Shepherd, displaying a masterclass in power-hitting with three sixes and three fours. This win marks a significant turnaround for England, who had struggled in the group stages and faced potential elimination.

"We're not looking too far ahead, just glad to contribute to the win," Salt commented post-match. He also credited Jonny Bairstow's steadying role, as Bairstow scored an unbeaten 48, maintaining the momentum at the other end.

England's captain, Jos Buttler, added 25 runs, while Moeen Ali chipped in with a brisk 13. West Indies captain Rovman Powell admitted their bowling needed improvement, particularly in the death overs, and praised Salt's impactful performance.

Earlier, England's disciplined bowling had restricted the West Indies to a modest total. Despite a strong start from openers Johnson Charles and Brandon King, with the latter retiring hurt at 23, the West Indies lost momentum after Charles was caught for 38 off 34 balls by Harry Brook off Moeen Ali's bowling.

Powell's quickfire 36 off 17 balls, including five sixes, temporarily boosted the West Indies, but he was eventually caught off Liam Livingstone's bowling. Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid took crucial wickets, with Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell falling cheaply.

Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 28 helped the West Indies post a more competitive total, but it proved insufficient against England's formidable batting display.

England's squad included Jos Buttler (c), Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, and others. The West Indies featured Rovman Powell (c), Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, among others.

This emphatic victory boosts England's confidence as they continue their Super Eight campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024.