Defending champions England stormed into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a 10-wicket rout of the USA in Bridgetown on Sunday. Pacer Chris Jordan grabbed a sensational hat-trick in his birthplace before captain Jos Buttler’s blitzkrieg as England secured their spot in the semi-finals.
Match Overview
England opted to bowl first and restricted the USA to a modest total of 115 in 18.5 overs. Chris Jordan, making a comeback in place of Mark Wood, played a pivotal role by claiming four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick. This set the stage for Jos Buttler, who smashed an unbeaten 83 off 38 balls, leading England to a comprehensive victory in just 9.4 overs.
Chris Jordan’s Hat-Trick Heroics
Chris Jordan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Returning to his birthplace, Jordan took 4/10 from his 2.5 overs. He began the penultimate over by dismissing Corey Anderson for 29 with a low full toss. He then knocked over Ali Khan’s off stump, followed by dismissing Nosthush Kenjige and Saurabh Netravalkar off successive deliveries to complete his hat-trick. Jordan became only the second bowler in T20 World Cup history to pick four wickets in a single over.
Jos Buttler’s Blitzkrieg
Jos Buttler’s explosive innings ensured a quick and emphatic win for England. His 83 not out included seven sixes and six fours. Buttler’s assault on the USA bowlers was highlighted by five maximums in a single over off Harmeet Singh. His innings not only secured the win but also showcased England’s dominant form heading into the semi-finals.
Bowling Collapse of USA
The USA struggled to build momentum against England’s disciplined bowling attack. Adil Rashid set the tone with a miserly spell, taking 2/13 in his four overs and earning the player-of-the-match award. Rashid’s excellent control and use of variations kept the USA batsmen in check, setting up the collapse that Jordan capitalized on.
Key Moments
- Sam Curran’s Early Strikes: Sam Curran triggered the USA’s collapse by dismissing Harmeet Singh (21) in the final delivery of his previous over. This wicket started a chain reaction, with the USA losing five wickets for no runs in six balls.
- Adil Rashid’s Impact: Rashid’s spell was crucial in building pressure. He bowled out USA captain Aaron Jones with a beautiful googly and later dismissed Nitish Kumar, who was looking dangerous after hitting two sixes and a four.
- Reece Topley’s Breakthrough: Topley provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing Andries Gous, who had flicked him for a six earlier in the over.
USA’s Batting Struggles
USA’s innings had moments of promise but lacked consistency. Nitish Kumar and Corey Anderson were the only batsmen to show some resistance. Kumar’s top-edged six off Jofra Archer and his boundary off Topley showed glimpses of his ability, but his dismissal by Rashid curtailed USA’s progress. Corey Anderson tried to anchor the innings but fell to Jordan’s brilliance.
England’s Dominant Chase
England’s chase was a masterclass in aggressive batting. Buttler’s fireworks were complemented by his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike efficiently. The ease with which England chased down the target underscored their superiority and preparedness for the challenges ahead in the semi-finals.
Quotes
- Chris Jordan: “We summed up the conditions pretty well… Rashid set up the game for us. Points first and foremost.”
- Adil Rashid: “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.”
England’s dominant performance against the USA highlighted their strength and depth in both batting and bowling. The clinical execution by Jordan and Buttler’s explosive batting has set the tone for their campaign as they head into the semi-finals with confidence. The defending champions are showing why they are the team to beat in the T20 World Cup 2024.
