England (117/0) decimated USA (115/10) by 10 wickets with 62 balls remaining at Kensington Oval in Barbados to secure a semifinal place in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Three Lions invited the USA to bat first, and their bowlers validated the captain’s decision with ruthless efficiency. They dismantled the USA for a mere 115, thanks to relentless efforts from Adil Rashid (2/13) and Chris Jordan (4/10). England’s chase was one-sided, capped by Jos Buttler’s (83/38) resurgence in form. If England maintains this momentum, few teams can stand in their way.
Match Summary
Toss: Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field.
USA innings: 115/10
- Nitish Kumar: 30/24
- Corey Anderson: 29/28
- Key Bowler: Chris Jordan (4/10)
England: 117/0 
- Jos Buttler: 83/38
- Philip Salt: 25/21
- Key Bowler: Nosthush Kenjige (0/19)
Key Moments From the Match
Adil Rashid’s Sorcery
USA started well, poised to score around 150 after eight overs. However, Adil Rashid altered the game’s dynamics dramatically. He claimed the crucial wicket of Aaron Jones (10/16) in his first over, shifting the momentum. Rashid further dismantled the USA’s innings in the 11th over by dismissing Nitish Kumar.
Sam Curran’s Wrecking Spree
Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh (21/17) gave England a scare during the death overs, building a foundation for a strong finish. However, Sam Curran (2/23) disrupted their plans. He trapped Harmeet Singh in the 18th over, sparking another collapse.
Chris Jordan’s Spectacular Four
At 115 for six with two overs remaining, USA seemed likely to reach 130 runs, giving their bowlers a fighting chance. Chris Jordan, however, had other plans, claiming four wickets in rapid succession, reducing USA to 115 all out.
Jos ‘THE Boss’ Buttler’s Third Over
Buttler, England’s long-time match-winner, had been struggling with form. His resurgence began in the third over when he dominated Saurabh Netravalkar (0/21), scoring 19 runs, including two massive sixes.
Buttler’s Unstoppable Assault
Jos Buttler appeared in a new avatar against the USA. His hunger for runs was evident as he thrashed the ball around the park. In the ninth over, Buttler set a new T20 World Cup record by smashing five sixes. His innings of 83 included seven sixes.
Implications and Future Prospects
With England in the semifinals, the battle now lies between South Africa and West Indies. Despite England’s inconsistency, they are unstoppable when they hit their stride. Jos Buttler’s return to form means opponents must put in extra effort to challenge England.
The USA, meanwhile, concluded their historic campaign. Although they faltered in the Super 8, their group stage performance was commendable. The investment in American cricket is beginning to show results.
Conclusion
USA crumbled under pressure in batting, while England proved too formidable. The outcome might have differed had the USA scored over 150 runs. England has advanced to the semifinals and appears keen to avenge the 2023 50-over World Cup humiliation.
