On a lively evening at Bristol’s County Ground on June 8, 2025, Tom Banton turned the tide for England with a breathtaking 30 not out off just 11 balls, securing a thrilling four-wicket victory over West Indies in the second T20I. This match-winning knock not only sealed a 2-0 series lead for England but also showcased Banton’s flair and fearlessness, making him the talk of the cricketing world.
A High-Stakes Chase
West Indies, batting first after England won the toss, posted a challenging 196/6, thanks to a late onslaught of 75 runs in the final four overs. Shai Hope’s steady 49 and Jason Holder’s blistering 29 off 9 balls, including three sixes in a single Adil Rashid over, set England a steep target. The Bristol pitch, known for its short boundaries, promised a high-scoring game, but England’s chase needed something special to overcome the pressure.
England’s innings started with a stumble as Jamie Smith fell early, but a solid 63-run partnership between Jos Buttler (47 off 36) and Ben Duckett (30 off 18) steadied the ship. However, when Buttler and captain Harry Brook (34 off 20) were dismissed in quick succession, England were left needing 71 runs off the last 39 balls. The game was slipping away, and West Indies sensed a chance to level the series.
Banton’s Game-Changing Blitz
Enter Tom Banton, the 26-year-old Somerset batter, walking in at No. 6 with the weight of the chase on his shoulders. Known for his unorthodox shots and quick hands, Banton wasted no time. His first ball, an off-spinner from Roston Chase, was met with a slog-sweep that soared over square leg for six—a statement of intent that electrified the crowd. From there, Banton unleashed a barrage of shots, including a stunning down-the-track six off Gudakesh Motie’s left-arm spin that left spectators in awe.
Banton’s 30 not out included three fours and two sixes, with a strike rate of 272.72. His audacious reverse-sweep for four off Jason Holder showcased his confidence, while his ability to find gaps under pressure kept England’s chase on track. Alongside him, Jacob Bethell played a crucial supporting role, smashing 26 off 10 balls, including three monstrous sixes off Alzarri Joseph. Together, their 43-run partnership off just 15 balls turned a tricky situation into a comfortable victory, with England reaching 199/6 in 18.3 overs, nine balls to spare.
30* off 11 balls!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 8, 2025
That a boy, Bants!#ENGvWI #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/uLnSsdyX2k
England’s Depth and Brook’s Leadership
England’s victory highlighted their batting depth, a point emphasized by captain Harry Brook, who noted that having players like Banton, Bethell, and Will Jacks at Nos. 5, 6, and 7 allows the top order to play aggressively. Brook’s leadership, in only his second T20I as captain, has been promising, with England now boasting five wins in five white-ball matches against West Indies in 2025, following a 3-0 ODI series sweep.
Luke Wood’s bowling set the tone, striking with the first ball to dismiss Evin Lewis and finishing with 2/25. Despite Adil Rashid’s 19th over going for 31 runs, England’s bowlers kept West Indies to a total Brook believed was 20-30 runs short, given the small boundaries and batting-friendly pitch.
What’s Next?
With the series secured, England head to Southampton for the third T20I on June 10, aiming for a clean sweep. West Indies, led by Shai Hope, will look to salvage pride, bolstered by their power-hitters like Andre Russell and Rovman Powell. For Banton, this knock could be a stepping stone to cementing his place in England’s T20 setup ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, especially with his knack for innovative shots and a newfound maturity in his game.
For Indian fans watching on Sony Sports Network or streaming on SonyLiv and Fancode, Banton’s explosive display was a reminder of why T20 cricket is so thrilling. His 11-ball blitz not only won England the series but also won hearts, proving that when the stakes are high, Banton can deliver with fireworks.
Last Updated on: Monday, June 9, 2025 5:12 pm by Naga Surya Teja Ganpisetty | Published by: Naga Surya Teja Ganpisetty on Monday, June 9, 2025 5:12 pm | News Categories: Sports
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