By: TN Media News Pakistan
Melbourne, Australia – England delivered a commanding performance to book their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals, thrashing the USA by 116 runs at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match highlighted England’s firepower with both bat and ball, setting the tone for an intense knockout stage.
England Posts Massive Total After Explosive Start
England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to bat first—a decision that paid off immediately. Buttler and Jason Roy opened with an aggressive 82-run stand, putting the USA bowlers on the back foot from the start.
Buttler led the charge with a stunning 65 off 32 balls, hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes. Roy added a well-composed 48 off 35 deliveries, complementing Buttler’s power-hitting with stability.
Middle-order batsmen Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes kept the momentum going. Malan scored 41 off 28 balls, while Stokes smashed a quick 30 from 15 deliveries. England closed their innings at a formidable 207/4 in 20 overs.
USA’s bowlers struggled under pressure. Ali Khan managed to take 2 wickets for 37 runs, but England’s aggressive batting left little room for containment.
USA Collapse Under Pressure
In response, the USA’s batting lineup faltered from the outset. England’s fast bowler Mark Wood struck early, removing key batters and ending with figures of 3 wickets in his first two overs. The USA found themselves reeling at 18 for 3.
Captain Steven Taylor tried to resist with a fighting 29 off 22 balls, but support from the rest of the team was lacking. Adil Rashid tightened England’s grip with a brilliant spell of 3 for 18, dismantling the middle and lower order.
The USA was eventually bowled out for 91 in 14.3 overs, handing England a crushing 116-run victory—one of the most dominant wins of the tournament so far.
Player Reactions and Road Ahead
Jos Buttler, awarded Player of the Match, praised the collective team effort:
“It was a fantastic effort from the boys. Everyone contributed, and the bowlers backed up the batting perfectly. We’re hitting form at just the right time.”
England now heads into the semifinals with strong momentum and renewed confidence. Their group-stage dominance cements them as one of the favorites for the T20 World Cup 2024 title.
For the USA, their maiden World Cup campaign ends with lessons learned and signs of promise. As newcomers on the global stage, their participation itself marks a milestone for cricket’s growth in America.
High Stakes Ahead in the Knockout Phase
As the tournament moves into its most thrilling stage, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await more dramatic matchups. England’s resounding win over the USA raises the stakes and sets the standard for the semifinal showdowns to come.
