England hammered the United States of America as they finished the run chase in 9.4 overs during a thrilling match in Bridgetown in Barbados. They have also guaranteed their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals with their victory.
With the intention of chasing the total in the second innings, the reigning champions chose to bowl first after winning the toss. By keeping the United States of America to just 115 runs on the scoreboard, the bowlers lived up to the team’s and their captain’s expectations. Throughout the first innings, the England bowlers were crucial because they continued taking wickets and did not let any batter to stay at the crease for an extended period of time.
With the ball in the first inning, Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid stole the show. By hitting the last three batters of the opposition, the former was able to record a hat-trick. But Rashid was back to his regular best, conceding just 13 runs and claiming two wickets in his frugal four overs.
The England batsmen had just one thought, and that was to chase down the score as quickly as possible while batting with aggression. Jos Buttler, the captain, set the tone early for the team by smashing 83 runs off of just 38 balls, including seven sixes and six fours. While Phil Salt did not participate much in Jos Buttler’s display, he did make a valuable contribution by scoring 25 off of 21 balls. In just 9.4 overs, England managed to chase down the total that the United States of America had established.
At one point in the competition, the country appeared hopeless as they were about to lose in the group stage. However, they are now in the competition’s last four as they attempt to win the T20 World Cup again.
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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