England proved powerless to resist Rovman Powell as his brawny, six-laden century ushered the West Indies to a 20-run victory and a 2-1 lead in the five-match Twenty20 series in Barbados.
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Powell, brought in for Odean Smith, thumped 10 of the Windies' 16 sixes en route to a terrific 107 from 53 balls in an innings that formed the backbone of his side's 5-224, with Nicholas Pooran clubbing 70 off 43 deliveries.
Tom Banton gave a much-changed England hope of pulling off their third-highest chase ever with a 39-ball 73 but his dismissal left the tourists needing 96 from 45 deliveries before Phil Salt kept their flickering hopes alive.
Salt, one of three T20 debutants alongside George Garton and Harry Brook, brought the equation down to 36 in an over, flaying the first two deliveries for six en route to a 22-ball 50 before being bowled round his legs.
England, captained by Moeen Ali because of a slight quad niggle to Eoin Morgan, now need to win both remaining matches to prevail in the series after 31 maximums on a difficult night for bowlers.
Garton claimed a wicket on his international bow but the left-armer, one of three in England's XI alongside Reece Topley and Tymal Mills, leaked 57 from his four overs. Mills was also expensive, conceding 52 from his allotment.
Australian Associated Press
