England defeated the USA with crushing efficiency to ensure their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
England won the coin toss, batted first and dismissed their opponents for just 115 runs before setting a target of 116.
They did it in no time, with captain Jos Buttler dominating with the bat in hand and scoring a unbeaten 83 runs off 38 balls to win by 10 wickets as England reached 117-0 in just 9.4 overs to secure the victory.
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Captain Jos Buttler hit a five and a six in the first over to lead England to victory against the USA.
Earlier, Chris Jordan led the bowling line-up, taking four wickets in five balls in the final USA innings to take his first hat-trick in an England men’s T20 international with figures of 4-10.
How England reached the semi-finals in style
England head into the final match of the Super 8 phase in Barbados, ideally needing a big win to best their hopes of reaching the last four. An eight-wicket win over co-hosts West Indies on Wednesday but a seven-run defeat to South Africa in St Lucia on Friday has meant England have only two of a possible four points.
Buttler led the way and capped off a fine all-round performance from his team, finishing with an even finer touch, hitting five sixes in the first over to put England within striking distance of victory.
After the USA were bowled out for 115 in 18.5 overs, the stage was set for the batsmen.
It was the first time England and the USA had faced each other in any format and the English bowlers quickly had the US batsmen in check.
They took the early wicket of opener Andries Goose and smashed a Reece Topley delivery into the waiting hands of Phil Salt at deep square leg, scoring just eight runs from five balls.
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Jos Buttler smashed a spectacular six against the USA, damaging the solar panels on the roof of Kensington Oval.
Just as the US began to establish a border and appeared to be posing a threat, their efforts were brutally defeated.
Opener Steven Taylor was dismissed for 12 after Moeen Ali leapt into the air to catch a pass from Sam Curran at backward point.
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Moeen Ali took a diving catch at point to get Steven Taylor out and give Sam Curran his 50th international T20 wicket.
Adil Rashid gave the US few scoring chances, calmly getting captain Aaron Jones out before Nitish Kumar was also out off his bowling to continue his impressive tournament with 2-13 from four overs.
Milind Kumar smashed the ball high from Liam Livingstone and Buttler had plenty of time to position himself underneath and take the catch with his gloves.
American wickets soon began to fall in rapid succession: Harmeet Singh was given out twice and then caught by Jordan off a Curran delivery.
The Americans were leading 115-6 at the start of the 19th over, but Jordan’s fierce attack off the next five balls prevented the Americans from scoring any more.
Corey Anderson’s resistance came to an end when Harry Brook had him caught at long-off to score 29 off 28 balls.
Jordan then got Mohammed Ali Khan out for duck two balls later, Nostash Kensige was out plum leg-before off the first ball and with a hat-trick in sight, Jordan got Saurabh Netravalkar out in style over middle stump.
Buttler’s blistering opening partnership ensured the team a commanding 10-wicket win, while his partner Salt was also unbeaten on 25 runs off 21 balls.
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Chris Jordan took four wickets in five balls against the USA to bag an incredible hat-trick, the first for England men in a T20 international.
Here is what they said:
England captain Jos Buttler:
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Captain Jos Buttler was full of praise for England’s swift defeat of the USA, who reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
“It was on my mind to be top of the group and top in net run rate.
“Adil and Livingstone worked together to apply pressure and get the wickets.
“Kudos to Livi for being prepared and taking on the challenge.
“I think we have some great options in the team. I chose Jordan because I wanted all-round ability and he’s delivered brilliantly. A hat-trick at the World Cup is a great effort.”
“It was important to also look after my own play. I’m still one of 11 and I have to do my job.”
USA captain Aaron Jones:
“It’s a difficult match to understand.
“Just like in the last game, we didn’t play with discipline and that’s something we need to talk about.”
“I haven’t played well in the last two games. It’s definitely something that gets talked about. That’s just how it goes.”
“The wicket was a bit firm. Adil Rashid is a very good bowler and he bowls tight as well. We will definitely be batting harder going forward.”
“Butler is very good, very experienced. He controlled the ball early on.”
“This is our first World Cup and not many people expected us to play against the best teams.
“Getting Americans interested in cricket is something we’ve been talking about for a long time and after this World Cup we’ve been getting a lot of calls, messages and a lot more support.”
What’s next?
South Africa Travel to Antigua to face the co-hosts West Indies The final makeup of England’s group will be decided on Monday (1.30am).
You can watch every match of the T20 World Cup live, including the final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29th. Sky Sports.