England thump USA to qualify for T20 World Cup semifinal: Buttler slams five sixes in an over, sets WI vs SA knockout game | Cricket News
England thumped the United States 10 wickets in their final Super 8 clash to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday.
After opting to bowl, England rolled USA over for 115 with Chris Jordan bagging four wickets in five balls including a hat-trick – the first an English man in T20Is. USA lost five wickets in six balls as they failed to add a run.
Jos Buttler’s men waltzed through the chase with the skipper leading the charge with a quickfire knock. Buttler brought up his half-century in only 32 balls and smashed five consecutive sixes off Harmeet Singh in the eighth over. England romped home in 9.4 overs as Buttler remained unbeaten on 83 off 38 deliveries with six fours and seven maximums.
What does England’s win mean for the qualification scenarios in Group 2?
England’s massive win has ensured them of a semifinal spot, but their final position will be decided only after the result of the West Indies-South Africa clash, the other two remaining teams in the race from Group 2, on Monday. While South Africa are undefeated in the tournament and Super 8s with two wins, the Proteas hold a middling +0.625 Net Run Rate, when compared to West Indies (+1.814).
How can South Africa qualify for the semi-final from Group 2?
With four points, South Africa only require a win over West Indies to join England in the semi-final. In such a scenario, England will finish second and feature in the first semi-final.
How can West Indies qualify for the semi-final from Group 2?
Hosts West Indies will take confidence from their NRR lead and a comfortable win over South Africa will likely propel Rovman Powell’s team through to the last-four alongside England.
Group 2 Points Table after England’s win over USA
Rank
Matches
Won
Lost
Points
NRR
England
3
2
1
4
+1.992
South Africa
2
2
0
4
0.625
West Indies
2
1
1
2
1.814
USA
3
0
3
0
-3.906
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