West Indies dominate USA with nine-wicket win in T20 World Cup super 8 clash

West Indies crushed the USA by nine wickets on Saturday during the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Chasing a target of 129 runs, the West Indies achieved victory in just 10.5 overs, significantly boosting their net run rate.

Shai Hope led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 82 off 39 balls, featuring four boundaries and eight towering sixes. He was well-supported by Nicholas Pooran, who remained not out on 27 from 12 deliveries, including three sixes and a four.

Having won the toss, the West Indies opted to bowl first and delivered a clinical performance to bowl out the USA for 128 in 19.5 overs. Roston Chase shone with the ball, securing career-best figures of 3-19 in his four overs, while Andre Russell also impressed with 3-31 in 3.5 overs. For the USA, opener Andries Gous top-scored with 29 off 16 balls, followed by contributions from Nitish Kumar (20) and Ali Khan (14*).

This victory propels the West Indies closer to the semi-finals. A win against South Africa in their next game will guarantee their progression, irrespective of England’s performance against the USA, as the West Indies now boast a superior net run rate compared to the Proteas.

Both teams had faced defeats in their respective opening Super 8 matches, making this encounter a virtual do-or-die situation. The West Indies' emphatic win keeps their T20 World Cup hopes alive as they look forward to their crucial match against South Africa.