In a captivating game at the Bridgetown in Barbados, England thumped the United States of America as they completed the run chase inside 9.4 overs. This win has also ensured them a spot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The defending champions won the toss and opted to bowl first in a bid to hunt down the total in the second innings. The bowlers lived up to the expectations of the team and their skipper as they were able to restrict the United States of America to just 115 on the scoreboard. The key thing throughout the first innings was that the England bowlers kept chipping away with wickets and did not let any batter settle at the crease for long.
Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid were the stars of the show with the ball in the first innings. The former was able to notch up a hat-trick as he nipped out the final three batters of the opposition. On the other hand, Rashid was back to his usual best as he gave away just 13 runs and took two wickets during his economical four-over spell.
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There was only one thing in the minds of the England batters and that was to bat aggressively and chase down the total as fast as they could. The skipper, Jos Buttler led them from the front as he smacked 83 runs from just 38 balls and his innings included six fours and seven sixes. At the other end, Phil Salt was a mere spectator of the Jos Buttler show but also contributed well as he scored 25 from 21 balls. In the end, England were able to chase down the total set by the United States of America in just 9.4 overs.
At one stage of the tournament, the nation looked down and out as they were on the verge of elimination during the group stage. But now they have made it to the final four of the competition as they look to defend their T20 World Cup title.
Losing skipper Aaron Jones said:
Hard game to get to grips to be honest. We did not have a good last two games, something for us to talk about when we go back to USA but that's how it goes. Looking forward to playing more big teams. Wicket was a bit sticky, Rashid very experienced, very good bowler. Our shot selection was not good, we knew he was the dangerman. Something to look into and we definitely will come back harder. [on Buttler] Very experienced and he batted beautifully today. It's very good for us, this is our first World Cup, lot of people did not think we will be here playing against England, West Indies and the big boys. Hopefully this will open the eyes of the American public. We've got a lot of calls and messages of support during this World Cup. I see us getting bigger and better from here.
Winning skipper Jos Buttler said:
We give USA a lot of respect and we talked about if, if we brought our intensity, we would be too good. Once we got in a few overs, we tried to target this side with the wind. Adil was fantastic and Livi bowled brilliantly in tandem, it's difficult when you are not bowling in one game and then suddenly you bowl 4 overs, credit to him for being ready. We have great options, today we wanted to bring in CJ to bring depth to our batting and a World Cup hat-trick is a great effort. I have been feeling good all year to be honest. I feel I'm hitting the ball well and it's on me to look after my own game, as much as I'm the captain, I'm one of the 11 and I have got to do my job.
Player of the Match Adil Rashid said:
We fought pretty well, set the tone with the ball. Was pleased to restrict them (USA) to 115. Always nice to come here and bowl. It also helps when the bowlers are keeping it tight from the other end. With the wind you got to assess from which end you will bowl. Sometimes you may get hit for four and sixes. Sometimes you pick wickets. CJ (Jordan) is a match-winner, he has been doing it for a number of years. Big congrats to him. He (Buttler) is a world-class player, a great performer. Need to carry that form into the semi-final.
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