T20 World Cup 2024, Super Eight: Jos Buttler shines as England beat USA by 10 wickets, qualify for Semifinals - Cricket Winner

From nearly being knocked out in the group stages, England has emerged as the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024. On Sunday, June 23, England secured their top 4 position by decisively defeating the USA in their final Super 8 match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. England needed to chase down a target of 116 in 18.4 overs or less to advance, a feat they achieved with relative ease.

Aggressive start and swift chase

Jos Buttler and Phil Salt provided England with an aggressive start, aiding the defending champions in chasing the target in just 9.4 overs. Buttler launched a quick assault on the USA bowlers, whether pacers or spinners, displaying his regained form with an unbeaten 38-ball 83. This powerful performance put him in a strong position for the upcoming semi-finals.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: What happens if rain washes out the Australia vs India Super Eight clash?

Strategic bowling performance

The victory was set up by a superb bowling performance from the English side. The USA was choked out with excellent spin bowling in the middle overs. Barbados-born Chris Jordan ripped through the tail end of the USA side, picking up his first hat-trick in the T20I format. Jordan’s fiery spell meant that the USA failed to score a single run for their last five wickets, collapsing from 115/5 to 115 all-out within six balls.

Historic achievements

Jordan’s remarkable performance made him the first-ever English bowler to achieve a hat-trick in a T20 World Cup. All his wickets came in his final over of the match, and he became only the second bowler to pick four or more wickets in the T20 World Cup, following Ireland’s Curtis Campher in the 2021 tournament.

Tournament for Fast Bowlers

This has been a standout week for fast bowlers in the T20 World Cup. Following Pat Cummins’ two hat-tricks in consecutive matches, Jordan’s hat-trick became the third of the tournament, making him only the eighth bowler to achieve this feat in the world tournament.

England’s commanding performance and strategic plays have solidified their place in the semi-finals, setting them up as strong contenders to potentially finish at the top of their group.

Player of the Match

Adil Rashid, Player of the Match: 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.

Most expensive overs in T20 World Cups
36 Stuart Broad vs Ind Durban 2007
36 Azmatullah Omarzai vs WI Gros Islet 2024
33 Jeremy Gordon vs USA Dallas 2024
32 Izatullah Dawlatzai vs Eng Colombo RPS 2012
32 Harmeet Singh vs Eng Bridgetown 2024

Ten wicket wins in T20 World Cups
Aus vs SL Cape Town 2007 (Target: 102)
SA vs Zim Hambantota 2012 (94)
Oman vs PNG Al Amerat 2021 (130)
Pak vs Ind Dubai 2021 (152)
Eng vs Ind Adelaide 2022 (169)
Eng vs USA Bridgetown 2024 (116)
62 balls remaining by England is the most number of balls to spare in a 10-wicket win in T20 World Cups.

– For West Indies to surpass England’s NRR, they need to win by 49+ runs against South Africa (after scoring 160 batting first)