England’s group stage was a mixed bag with a washout, defeat by Australia and two rain-affected wins against Namibia and Oman which meant they only edged through courtesy of their net run-rate.
This performance, against one of the tournament favourites, was Buttler’s side back to something approaching their very best.
West Indies were unbeaten in eight T20s but their powerful batting line-up was kept in check and then the score knocked off with relative ease.
The only wobble came when Buttler fell lbw to Roston Chase for 25, having put on a measured opening stand of 67 with Salt, and Moeen picked out deep mid-wicket off Andre Russell, having been promoted to attack West Indies’ spinners.
But Bairstow took charge as Salt’s scoring slowed, pulling Alzarri Joseph for six and then ramping him over the keeper.
That swung the momentum and Salt reignited with a brutal assault of Shepherd, including two big straight sixes.
After all of the doubts, England suddenly looked like contenders again.