England captain Jos Buttler made a sensational comeback from a months-long injury layoff with a blistering innings of 83 runs, leading his team to a commanding seven-wicket win against West Indies in the second T20 international. Buttler’s powerful performance not only helped England secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but also sent a strong message ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, where he is expected to attract significant bids.
Buttler’s Stellar Knock: Six Sixes, Eight Fours
Returning to the England lineup after being sidelined since June due to a calf injury, Buttler showcased his class with a 45-ball innings, smashing six sixes and eight fours. His aggressive batting helped England chase down a target of 159 in just 14.5 overs, finishing at 161-3 with 31 deliveries to spare.
After England’s opener Phil Salt was dismissed for a golden duck, Buttler, who also had a first-ball duck in the previous match, came to the crease under pressure. However, he quickly regained his rhythm, forming a 129-run partnership with Will Jacks, who contributed 38 runs from 29 balls. Buttler’s half-century came off just 32 balls, highlighted by a towering six off Gudakesh Motie that flew out of Kensington Oval.
“It’s great to spend some time in the middle,” Buttler remarked post-match. “I was a bit scratchy at first but managed to come through that. I really enjoyed it. It’s great to be back out there.”
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England’s Clinical Chase Seals the Game
Despite losing Buttler and Jacks in the 13th over at 130-3, Liam Livingstone (23* from 11 balls) and Jacob Bethell (3* from 4 balls) calmly guided England to victory. Livingstone sealed the match in style with a six off the fifth ball of the 15th over, capping off a dominant display by the visitors.
Earlier, the West Indies struggled to build momentum, finishing at 158-8 after being put in to bat by Buttler, who won a crucial toss for the second match in a row. Saqib Mahmood and Jofra Archer led the charge with the ball, dismantling the West Indies’ top order early on. Mahmood claimed two wickets in the power play, while Archer dismissed Evin Lewis, leaving the hosts reeling at 35-3.
Captain Rovman Powell top-scored for the West Indies with 43 runs from 41 balls, but his efforts were not enough to propel the team to a competitive total. England’s bowlers, including Livingstone who picked up two key wickets, kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
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Buttler Released by Rajasthan Royals Ahead of IPL 2025
In a surprising move, Jos Buttler was recently released by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Given his spectacular return to form, franchises are likely to bid aggressively for the England captain, making him one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming auction.
With the third T20 match set to take place in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, on Thursday, England will aim to secure the series, while Buttler’s blazing comeback has reignited interest among IPL franchises, eager to add the hard-hitting opener to their squads for the 2025 season.