New Delhi: Defending champions England thrashed USA by ten wickets in their final Super Eight clash on Sunday to become the first team to make it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024. Chris Jordan bagged his maiden T20I hat-trick to help England bowl out USA for a paltry 116 runs in 20 overs before skipper Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 83 powered them to a thumping win in just 9.4 overs.
The 10-wicket win massively boosted England’s net run rate as it took them from the third spot on the points table to the top, surpassing South Africa, who are now in the 2nd spot with a net run rate of 0.63 and 4 points from two matches. Despite winning their first two matches, South Africa are still not assured of a spot in the semi-finals.
England’s big win against the USA has complicated matters for the Aiden Markram-led Proteas and has intensified the race for the semi-finals in Group 2. With just one spot remaining and USA out of the race, South Africa’s final Super Eight clash against West Indies on Monday will be a virtual decider. The winner will go through while the loser will be out.
What West Indies and South Africa need to make it to the T20 World Cup 2024 semis?
South Africa: South Africa appeared favourites to top Group 2 and qualify for the semi-finals until Sunday. England have now put them in a spot of bother with their massive 10-wicket win against USA. However, the equation is still simple for Markram’s men.
South Africa are currently 2nd on the Group 2 points table with 4 points and a net run rate of 0.63. They need to beat West Indies in their final Super Eight game on Monday to qualify for the semi-finals. If they lose, they will be out as West Indies have a net run rate of 1.81 despite having just 1 win in their first two matches.
South Africa are currently on a winning streak of six matches, however, their place in the semi-finals is still not certain. They will now have to play a virtual knockout against West Indies as only a win can see them progress to the knockouts. South Africa interestingly defeated England in their Super Eight opener but now face the possibility of finishing behind them in Group 2.
West Indies: West Indies have as good a chance to qualify for the semi-finals as South Africa despite one win in their first two matches. They have 2 points and a net run rate of 1.81 which gives them an edge over South Africa. The equation is simple for them as well. They need to win against South Africa by any margin to knock the Proteas out and qualify for the top four.
West Indies also have a chance to topple England from the top post and qualify for the semi-finals as the 1st-ranked team from Group 2. They will have to win by 52 or more runs after posting a total of at least 160 runs while batting first against South Africa to go past England’s net run rate of 1.99.
In case of a washout on Monday, points will be shared and South Africa will qualify along with England as they already have 4 points from two matches.
England became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday. Their qualification leaves South Africa and West Indies in a virtual eliminator for the final second spot in the top four from Group 2. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
