In a thrilling Group 2 Super-8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2024, Chris Jordan led England off the field with a spectacular bowling performance, including a hat-trick, against the USA in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Born and raised in Barbados, Jordan’s exceptional feat added a personal touch to an already intense match. England’s dominant bowling after opting to field first left the USA reeling, and now, England stands on the cusp of qualifying for the semifinals.

Match Summary

England won the toss and elected to bowl, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter. The USA managed a decent start but faltered dramatically under England’s relentless bowling attack. The powerplay saw the USA at 48/2, but England’s spinners and Jordan’s magic turned the game on its head.

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USA’s Powerplay performance

The USA began aggressively, scoring 48 runs in the powerplay despite losing two wickets. Gous was dismissed early by Topley, but the USA seemed to find their rhythm until England’s spin duo took control.

Spin magic by England

Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone spun a web around the USA batsmen. Rashid’s googlies were particularly effective, claiming two crucial wickets, while Livingstone took a wicket off his final ball, ending with figures of 8-0-37-3 combined. Their spell tightened the screws on the USA, setting the stage for Jordan’s heroics.

Chris Jordan’s Hat-Trick

Jordan’s hat-trick was the highlight of the match, a sequence that saw him dismiss Corey Anderson, Muhammad Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, and Saurabh Netravalkar in the 19th over. His athletic catch to dismiss Harmeet Singh and the subsequent four wickets in five balls decimated the USA from 115/5 to 115 all out.

England’s bowling dominance

England’s bowling unit was exceptional, with every bowler contributing to the USA’s collapse. Jordan’s hat-trick and overall figures of 4 wickets for minimal runs were complemented by disciplined spells from Rashid, Livingstone, and Topley. The USA’s batting lineup had no answers to England’s varied attack.

Equation for England’s Qualification

England needs to chase down the target in 18.4 overs or fewer to secure their place in the semifinals. Achieving this would put them ahead of other contenders based on net run rate, an essential factor in the tightly contested Group 2.

Implications for Group 2 standings

Group 2 is wide open, with several teams vying for the top two spots. England’s potential win and the manner of their victory are crucial. A win with an over to spare or by more than 10 runs would see them through, but a loss or a narrow victory would complicate their path.