Clinical England Dispatch USA with Ease in Barbados
England delivered a ruthless performance to sweep aside the United States in their final Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup 2024, winning by a commanding margin and boosting their Net Run Rate to enhance their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Chris Jordan led the way with a remarkable hat-trick in front of his home crowd in Bridgetown, while Jos Buttler and Phil Salt ensured a brisk and efficient chase.
USA Falter After Promising Start
Despite a spirited opening by USA, which saw them reach 48/2 during the Powerplay, their innings unraveled quickly. Reece Topley drew first blood by removing the in-form Andries Gous after a six, and from there, wickets fell at regular intervals.
Adil Rashid was once again in the spotlight, spinning a web around the American middle order. His deceptive googlies bowled both Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar, taking his T20 World Cup tally to 30 wickets, tying with Stuart Broad as England’s top wicket-taker in the competition.
Chris Jordan’s Magical Moment at Home
It was a storybook performance for Chris Jordan, who seized a hat-trick at the Kensington Oval—his birthplace. Introduced in the 19th over, Jordan picked up four wickets in five deliveries, including clean-bowling Ali Khan and Netravalkar to wrap up the USA innings for just 115 runs.
“Unbelievable feeling,” Jordan said post-match. “To do it in a place like this, in front of my people, it means everything.”
Buttler and Salt Blast England to Victory
Chasing 116, England were mindful of the Net Run Rate scenario. They needed to reach the target in 18.4 overs to leapfrog South Africa in the standings. Buttler and Salt ensured there were no hiccups. After a cautious start against USA’s new-ball attack of Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh, the English pair exploded into action.
Jos Buttler’s aggressive batting dismantled any hopes of an upset, with England reaching 50 without loss in just 5.2 overs. Boundaries flowed freely as both openers made use of the powerplay and beyond to storm past the finish line.
England’s Path to the Semis Still in Their Hands
The win puts England’s Net Run Rate ahead of South Africa’s, temporarily elevating them to second place in the group. Their semi-final qualification now hinges on the result of the final Super Eight game between South Africa and the West Indies later tonight.
USA’s World Cup Ends with Pride Intact
Though the USA bowed out of the tournament with a whimper, their overall campaign deserves applause. From stunning Pakistan in the group stage to challenging cricketing heavyweights, the USA have proven they belong at this level. With players like Andries Gous and Aaron Jones leading the charge, the future of American cricket looks promising.
Match Summary
- USA: 115 all out (Jordan 4-10, Rashid 2-13)
- England: 116/0 in 9.4 overs (Buttler 45*, Salt 54*)
- Result: England won by 10 wickets
Category: T20 World Cup 2024, Cricket Highlights
Tags: England vs USA, T20 World Cup 2024, Chris Jordan, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Adil Rashid, Sam Curran, USA cricket, Reece Topley, Super Eight, Bridgetown Barbados, ICC Cricket
