"World Cup needs West Indies in the semifinals" - Fans hail Rovman Powell's side for resounding win over USA in 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8
West Indies produced a sparkling performance in the battle of 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosts against the USA in Barbados on Friday, June 21. After suffering a defeat in their Super Eight opener against England, the Windies had to win and win big against the USA to remain in realistic semi-final contention.
And they made their intentions clear from the get-go, dismissing the USA for a paltry 128 in 19.5 overs. With net run rate likely to play a pivotal role, the West Indian batters came out all guns blazing and completed the run chase in a mere 10.5 wickets with nine wickets in hand.
Shai Hope led the way with a sensational 39-ball 82*, while Nicholas Pooran smashed an unbeaten 27 off 12 deliveries. The resounding victory took West Indies' net run rate to a massive +1.814, the highest in Group 2 of the Super Eight.
Fans on X praised the co-hosts for a dominant overall display with the following reactions:
Fans continued hailing the West Indies for their dominant win against the USA with one saying:
"What A Run Chase By The West Indies!"
"A strong message from the West Indies as they stay in the semi-final race at the T20WorldCup with an easy victory over the USA," tweeted a fan.
"West Indies' aggressive display of strokeplay against the U.S. reflects its style of playing cricket in the past," a fan said.
"Should be a top game, we are up for the fight" - Rovman Powell on upcoming South Africa clash
West Indies skipper Rovman Powell was upbeat about their upcoming virtual quarterfinal against South Africa in their final Super Eight game.
Should England prevail against the USA by a considerable margin, the South Africa-West Indies contest could decide who joins them in the semi-final from Group 2 of the Super Eight.
At the post-match presentation after West Indies demolished the USA, Powell said:
"It's very special, Kensington brings back special memories for us. We had a great opportunity to come out and play some good cricket. It (WI vs South Africa) should be a top game, we are up for the fight. We got a full house here to support us, that's all we can ask for."
West Indies defeated South Africa at home in a three-match T20I series just before the ongoing World Cup. The two teams will battle in the all-important encounter in Antigua on Sunday, June 23.