West Indies Crush USA to Stay in the Race for the Semifinals

In a clash between the two host nations of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the West Indies secured a resounding 9-wicket victory over the USA, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. Meanwhile, with two consecutive losses, the USA is now significantly behind in the race for the last four.

After losing the toss and opting to bat, the USA was bowled out for 128 runs. In reply, West Indies chased down the target in just 10.5 overs, thanks to Shai Hope’s explosive hitting, and won by 9 wickets. This victory allowed the Caribbean side to surpass England in the net run rate.

In Bridgetown, the USA lost their first wicket with only 3 runs on the board. After the dismissal of opener Taylor, Andre Gous and Nitish Kumar formed a partnership. Kumar got out with the score at 51, causing a disruption. Gous, who played aggressively, was out after scoring 29 runs off 16 balls, with just 9 runs added to the scoreboard.

Following this, the USA continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, putting them under pressure. In the slog overs, Van Sekalki scored 18 and Ali Khan added 14 runs.

The West Indies bowlers delivered an impressive performance, with the USA being bowled out for 128 with one ball remaining. Roston Chase emerged as the best bowler with 3 wickets for 19 runs, while Andre Russell also took 3 wickets. Alzarri Joseph claimed two wickets.

Chasing a target of 129 runs, Shai Hope, opening in place of Brandon King, played a whirlwind innings of 82 runs off 39 balls, including 8 sixes and 4 fours.

The only West Indies batter to get out was Johnson Charles, who scored 15 runs off 14 balls. Nicholas Pooran, coming in at one-down, played a cameo of 27 runs off 12 balls, helping the Caribbean team to secure victory with just 1 wicket lost in 10.5 overs.