New Delhi: Hat-trick hero Chris Jordan produced an exceptional spell while captain Jos Buttler led from the front with an unbeaten 83 off 38 balls as England hammered USA by ten wickets in their final Super Eight game to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday, June 23. England bowled out USA for a paltry 116 runs before comfortably chasing down the target in just 9.4 overs to wrap up a big win.
England skipper Buttler won the toss and opted to bowl first in the all-important clash with his team’s semi-final chances hanging by a thread. The bowlers proved his decision right by getting England off to a flyer. Reece Topley struck in the first over to dismiss USA opener Andries Gous cheaply on 8 runs before Sam Curran got rid of Steven Taylor on 12 off 13 deliveries.
Adil Rashid then continued his stellar run as the spinner removed the dangerous Aaron Jone (10) and Nitish Kumar in quick succession to leave USA reeling on 67/4. Corey Anderson (29) combined with Harmeet Singh to stage a rescue act but Chris Jordan bowled an incredible last over to run through USA’s lower middle order.
Jordan picked up 4 wickets in the 20th over, including his maiden T20I hat-trick as he dismissed Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige and Saurabh Netravalkar in consecutive deliveries. He became the first England bowler to take a hat-trick in T20Is and the T20 World Cup 2024 to enter history books with his remarkable feat. Jordan became the 8th bowler overall to take a hat-trick in the T20 World Cup.
Jordan finished with incredible figures of 4/10 off his 2.5 overs while Rashid recorded excellent figures of 2/13 off his 4 overs as the duo combined to bundle out USA cheaply for 116 runs in 20 overs. In reply, England enjoyed a cakewalk in the run chase, thanks to a stunning knock from captain Buttler.
Jos Buttler leads from the front
Buttler led from the front and played a captain’s knock to ensure England chased down the target of 117 runs as quickly as possible to surpass West Indies and South Africa in terms of net run rate. Buttler opened the batting with Philip Salt and the duo got their team off to a flyer. Buttler slammed an unbeaten 83 off just 38 balls laced with 7 sixes and 6 fours while Salt remained not out on 25 off 21 balls.
The duo added an unbeaten stand of 117 runs in just 9.4 overs to take England over the line. With the win, England’s net run rate improved to 1.99, taking them past South Africa (0.63) and West Indies (1.81). England are on top of Group 2 with 4 points from three matches in the Super 8 followed by South Africa, who have 4 points from two matches.
The final Super Eight clash between South Africa and West Indies in Group 2 will be a must-win game for both teams as the winner might pip the other to a spot in the semi-finals. South Africa are slightly better placed with more points but West Indies have a better net run rate and their clash will be now a virtual elimination on Monday.
Defending champions England became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 as they continue their march towards enjoying a successful title defence. Meanwhile, USA bowed out of the tournament after failing to open their account in the Super Eight of the tournament.
Chris Jordan and Jos Buttler starred as England thrashed USA by ten wickets in their final Super Eight clash to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
