England Win T20 Opener, Lead Series Over West Indies

England claimed a 21-run victory over West Indies in the first T20 international at Durham, their fourth straight white-ball win under new captain Harry Brook. Jos Buttler, no longer captain, powered to 96 off 59 balls and shared a rapid partnership with Jamie Smith, who contributed 38 off 20 deliveries, as England posted 188 for six. Liam Dawson, returning to international cricket after nearly three years, delivered a decisive 4-20 spell to help restrict West Indies to 167 for nine. The West Indies, without key spinner Akeal Hosein due to visa issues, struggled after a strong start and could not match England's run rate. Buttler's explosive batting, including a 23-run over off Alzarri Joseph, and Dawson’s wickets proved crucial. England leads the three-match T20 series 1-0, after already sweeping the preceding ODI series 3-0.