* England’s Jordan claims 4 wickets in 5 balls including a hat trick – Super 8 (Match 49)
By Dwayne Ferreira
England secured their spot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a dominant 10-wicket victory over the USA in their final Super Eight match. Chasing down a modest target of 116 in just 9.4 overs, Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 83 off 38 balls not only sealed the win but also boosted England’s net run rate to 1.992.
Chris Jordan’s performance was the highlight, as he became the first England player to take a men’s T20I hat-trick, propelling England to victory. The USA, who were in a strong position at 115 for 5, collapsed to 115 all out due to Jordan’s devastating final over, where he took four wickets from his last five deliveries.
The USA started well enough in Bridgetown, reaching 48 for 2 in the powerplay. However, Adil Rashid, continuing his stellar campaign, took 2 for 13 from his four overs, stifling the USA’s progress. Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar, the USA’s top scorer, were both bowled by Rashid’s googly, which has been his weapon of choice throughout the tournament. Rashid’s economical bowling, alongside Liam Livingstone, restricted the USA to just 25 runs in the six overs following the powerplay.
Jos Buttler, after a quiet start, exploded in the powerplay, scoring 44 off 26 balls. His aggressive batting, including two consecutive sixes off Saurabh Netravalkar, set the tone for the chase. Buttler’s onslaught continued against Harmeet Singh in the ninth over, where he struck five sixes, bringing up his half-century off 32 balls. He finished the game with a late cut, taking England over the line with 62 balls to spare.
Chris Jordan’s hat-trick was a defining moment. Initially left out of the starting XI, Jordan returned with a point to prove. His final over, where he dismissed four batsmen, including Nitish Kumar, sealed the USA’s fate. The emotional crescendo of the hat-trick was celebrated by the Bajan-born cricketer at his home ground, the Kensington Oval.
Adil Rashid’s ability to deceive batsmen with his googly was on full display. Both Jones and Kumar fell to his deceptive deliveries, which contributed significantly to England’s control over the game. Rashid’s figures of 2 for 13, combined with his overall performance in the tournament, highlight his importance to England’s bowling attack.
Buttler’s unbeaten 83, his second-highest score in T20 World Cups, came at a crucial time. His aggressive batting ensured that England not only won but also improved their net run rate, positioning them favorably for the semi-finals. His leadership and form are peaking at the right moment as England continues their title defense.
As England moves forward, the big question remains: will Buttler’s form and Jordan’s resurgence continue to drive the team, or will there be further tactical adjustments? With the semi-finals approaching, England’s strategy and player selections will be under scrutiny.
This victory ensures that England will finish top of the group if West Indies beat South Africa in Group 2’s final fixture by a margin of fewer than 52 runs. A South Africa win, taking them to six points, will see England finish second. The stage is set for an exciting finish to the group stage and the promise of more thrilling cricket in the semi-finals.
Chief Scores
USA 115 all out in 18.5 overs (Nitish Kumar 30, Chris Jordan 4-10, Adel Rashid 2-13)
England 117 for 0 in 9.4 overs (Jos Buttler 83 not out)
Player of the Match – Adel Rashid
