The West Indies bounced back from their opening Super 8 defeat with a dominant performance against the USA, thrashing them by 9 wickets in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, the Windies openers Shai Hope and Johnson Charles got them off to a flying start. Hope, in particular, was unstoppable, smashing an unbeaten 82 runs off just 39 balls. His knock included a staggering 8 sixes and 4 boundaries, effectively ending the contest by the 11th over.
Nicholas Pooran chipped in with an unbeaten 27 runs to ensure a comfortable victory for the Windies. The American bowling attack, with Harmeet Singh being the lone wicket-taker, simply had no answer to Hope’s firepower.
Earlier, the USA, who were put into bat after losing the toss, were bundled out for a meager 128 runs in 19.5 overs. Andries Gous top-scored with 29 runs, while Nitish Kumar, Milind Kumar, and Shadley Van Schalkwyk chipped in with handy contributions. However, the Windies bowlers, led by Andre Russell and Roston Chase with three wickets apiece, never allowed the American batsmen to settle.
This win keeps the Windies’ qualification hopes alive. In Group 2, South Africa currently sits atop the table with 4 points from 2 wins. The Windies and England, both with 2 points, are placed second and third, respectively, based on net run rate.
The Windies will now face group leaders South Africa in a crucial encounter. Meanwhile, England will take on the USA. Victories for both the Windies and England will see them tied on points, with net run rate ultimately deciding who progresses to the next stage.
