Teams play percentages a lot more, take lesser risks – Jos Buttler

Before the T20 World Cup, there was talk of huge totals, with 300 being a buzzword. England’s Harry Brook predicted big scores due to good pitches, fast outfields, and short boundaries. However, after eleven games, 300 is nowhere in sight—only two totals have exceeded 200, and just one has passed 210.

Even at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, which has those characteristics, no team has reached 200 in two matches, despite power-packed sides like India and England playing there.

England captain Jos Buttler noted, “I think generally in World Cups, you see teams play the percentages a little more, maybe not risk as much.” He was speaking ahead of England’s match against West Indies at the Wankhede.

The last time these two met at this venue in a World Cup was in 2016, when Chris Gayle smashed an unbeaten 100 with 11 sixes. Both teams are now packed with big-hitters and have started this tournament with wins.

Buttler added, “You just need one more run than the opposition on that day on that given surface. And that’s the most important thing in tournament cricket, especially.” Reflecting on 2016, he said, “Chris Gayle is the best T20 batter there’s ever been so yeah ten years ago obviously hopefully the result can be different tomorrow night.”

West Indies coach Daren Sammy emphasized playing conditions over targeting huge totals: “I’m not trying to score 300. I’m trying to play the conditions… If the par score is 190, you try to get 220 to give you some cushion with the ball when you bowl. But we don’t plan our batting in trying to score 300.”

Despite the cautious approach, with so many power-hitters in both squads, this match could still produce a big score—potentially even the first 300-plus total of the World Cup.