England thump USA to qualify for T20 World Cup semifinal

Buttler slams five sixes in an over, sets up WI vs SA knockout game

England's emphatic win over the United States in Barbados on Sunday secured their qualification for the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final, leaving South Africa and West Indies in a direct showdown for another spot from Group 2.

England thumped the United States by 10 wickets in their final Super 8 clash to qualify for the semifinals at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday.

Opting to bowl, England skittled USA for 115, with Chris Jordan bagging four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick – the first by an Englishman in T20Is. USA lost five wickets in six balls without adding a run.

Jos Buttler’s men cruised 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, with Buttler remaining unbeaten on 83 off 38 deliveries, including six fours and seven maximums.

Implications for Group 2

England’s massive win has secured them a semifinal spot, but their final position will be decided after the West Indies-South Africa clash 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, compared to West Indies' +1.814.

South Africa's path to the semifinal

With four points, South Africa need a win over West Indies to join England in the semifinal. If they win, England will finish second and feature in the first semifinal.

West Indies' path to the semifinal

Hosts West Indies will take confidence from their NRR lead. A comfortable win over South Africa will likely propel Rovman Powell’s team through to the last four alongside England.