Jos Buttler‘s rampaging 83 powered England to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second match of their T20I series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday. Responding to the home side’s total of 158 for eight, the visiting captain took the match by the scruff of the neck in belting eight fours and six sixes off only 45 balls to turn a potentially challenging target into a romp. The tourists reached 161 for three off just 14.4 overs to take a 2-0 lead heading into the final three matches of the duel in St. Lucia starting next Thursday.

Coming to the crease off just the second ball of the innings after Phil Salt, the century-making match-winner of Saturday’s first match, had fallen first ball to spinner Akeal Hosein, Buttler wasted little time in setting about a West Indies bowling attack missing suspended pacer Alzarri Joseph, injured fast-bowling all-rounder Andre Russell and fielding debutant seamer Terrance Hinds who endured a baptism of fire against a rampant Buttler.

A second T20I hundred looked his for the taking but after being badly dropped by Sherfane Rutherford at extra-cover off Romario Shepherd in the 13th over, the England skipper fell next ball as another attempted heave over the top found his West Indies counterpart, Rovman Powell at long-off.

Buttler inevitably dominated a second-wicket stand of 129 with Will Jacks, who contributed 38 off 29 balls with five fours and one six.

“It was scratchy for the first couple of balls but when I got going I really enjoyed it. It was great to be back out there,” said Buttler on receiving the “Man of the Match” award

Jacks was the first of two wickets for Shepherd, taken at second attempt at long-off by Matthew Forde, who had earlier played his part together with the rest of the West Indies lower-order to give the innings useful late impetus after they were put in to bat on a surface freshened by steady rain throughout the early morning.

Powell top-scored with 43 off 41 balls (two fours, two sixes) but his demise in the 16th over left the innings in trouble at 102 for six. Shepherd’s 22 off 12 balls breathed some late life into the home side’s effort with the support of the tail.

Liam Livingstone was the best of the bowlers with two for 16 and was there at the end to seal victory with an unbeaten 23 off 11 balls.

However nothing could take the shine off Buttler’s assault which leaves the tourists well-poised to avenge a 2-1 loss to the West Indies in the preceding ODI series.

Evin Lewis smashed a scintillating 94 as West Indies routed England by eight wickets in a rain-hit one-day international on Thursday. Lewis blasted an undefeated century to defeat Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday and carried on where he left off against a new-look England in the first of a three-game series. After dismissing England for just 209, the West Indies raced to 81-0 in 15 overs when rain brought a lengthy delay at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Set an adjusted target of 157 from 35 overs, the 32-year-old Lewis hit England’s attack to all parts of the ground, making his runs off just 69 balls.

His innings included five fours and eight huge sixes after dominating an opening stand of 118 with Brandon King (30).

Lewis’s hopes of completing a sixth ODI century were thwarted however when he was caught by Jacob Bethell off Adil Rashid with just 13 runs needed for victory.

In the end, Keacy Carty (19) and skipper Shai Hope (six) saw the West Indies comfortably home with 55 balls to spare.

Rashid’s one wicket cost him 50 runs from seven overs.

Victory for the West Indies came just five days after they defeated Sri Lanka with 10 of the team which featured in that victory 15,000km away named in Thursday’s line-up.

Put in to bat, England, who featured four new ODI caps in Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton and John Turner, were bowled out for 209 in the 46th over.

Captain Liam Livingstone led the way with 48 from 49 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.

Livingstone, standing in as skipper for the injured Jos Buttler, was supported by Sam Curran whose 37 occupied 56 balls.

For the West Indies, left-arm off-spinner Gudakesh Motie took 4-41 from his 10 overs with Jayden Seales the pick of the fast bowlers with 2-22 from eight overs.

Both his victims were the openers Phil Salt (18) and Will Jacks (19).

The second game of the three-match series will be staged at the same venue on Saturday with the final clash set for Barbados next Wednesday.

The two sides will also contest a five-game Twenty20 International series.

File photo of Phil Salt© AFP

USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Live Streaming: England will be squaring off against USA in their last Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday in Barbados. This match is a must-win one for both the teams, especially England as they have a stronger chance of making it to the semi-finals. The Jos Buttler-led side will be coming to this clash after facing a shocking seven-run defeat against South Africa in a thrilling encounter. On the other hand, USA got thrashed by West Indies by 9 wickets. England have registered one victory in the Super 8s while USA lost have lost both their opening games. 

When will the USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Sunday, June 23 (IST).

Where will the USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados 

What time will the USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 8:00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The USA vs England, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

England vs South Africa: Super Eight – Match 5 Preview

Super Eight – Match 5 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, features England taking on South Africa. This match is set to take place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, on June 21 at 08:00 PM IST.

Match Background

England comes into this match with a strong performance, having defeated West Indies by eight wickets in their first Super Eight game. Similarly, South Africa emerged victorious against the USA, winning by 18 runs.

The last time these two teams met in a T20I was in July 2022, during South Africa’s tour of England, where David Willey and Tabraiz Shamsi were the standout performers for their respective teams.

Head-to-Head

In their 25 T20I encounters, England’s bowlers have generally outperformed, contributing the most fantasy points, while South Africa’s batters have been the primary point earners for their side. This match will test the skills and strategies of both teams as they vie for a crucial win.

Key Players to Watch

Philip Salt (ENG)

Philip Salt, a top-order right-handed batter and wicketkeeper, has scored 147 runs in his last five matches, showing consistent performance. His ability to score quickly at the top will be crucial for England.

Adil Rashid (ENG)

Adil Rashid, England’s leg-break bowler, has taken six wickets in his last five matches. His knack for taking wickets in the middle overs makes him a key player for England’s bowling attack.

Sam Curran (ENG)

Sam Curran, a versatile all-rounder, has scored 91 runs and taken four wickets in his last five matches. His contributions with both bat and ball will be vital for England’s success.

Ottneil Baartman (SA)

Ottneil Baartman, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, has been impressive with eight wickets in his last five games at an average of 11.6. His ability to strike early will be crucial for South Africa.

Tristan Stubbs (SA)

Tristan Stubbs, a right-handed batter, has shown potential with scores of 20, 27, 0, 33 and 13 in his last five matches. His middle-order stability will be important for South Africa.

Tabraiz Shamsi (SA)

Tabraiz Shamsi, a slow left-arm chinaman bowler, has taken six wickets in his last four matches at an average of 15.8. His spin bowling will be key in restricting England’s scoring rate.

2nd T20I: England will take on Pakistan© AFP

England (ENG) will be playing against Pakistan (PAK) in the 2nd game of the Pakistan in England, four-match T20I Series, 2024. The match will be played at the Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Saturday. In their last five games, Pakistan have won three games and lost two. England, on the other hand, won two games and lost three. Both teams last played against each other in the Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022, where Ben Stokes scored the highest fantasy points for England with 104 points while Haris Rauf topped the fantasy points leaderboard for Pakistan with 59 points.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at Edgbaston, Birmingham, is balanced. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 158 runs. The team batting first at this venue has won 65% of its matches. We predict that the team winning the toss will bat first here.

Pace or Spin?

The pacers have been very successful at this venue. They have taken 67% of the total wickets at this venue. We would suggest that you pick as many pace bowlers as possible in your team.

Weather Report

The temperature is expected to be around 17 degree C with 53% humidity. Winds at a speed of 4.52 m/s are expected. Light rain is forecasted which may affect playing conditions.

Head-to-Head

In the 29 matches played between these two teams, the all-rounders of both teams have earned the most fantasy points for their respective teams so far.

Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi can be a safe pick for your fantasy Team. He has an average of 85 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9.6. He bowls left-arm fast and in the last five matches, he has taken 11 wickets.

Will Jacks

Will Jacks has an average of 65 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.5 and can be a high-risk, high-returns pick for your Dream11 Team. He is a top-order, right-handed batter. In the recent five matches, he has scored 160 runs.

Sam Curran

Sam Curran is a consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He has an average of 61 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 7.8. Sam is a left-handed batter. In the recent five matches, he has scored 118 runs. He also bowls decently, bowling left-arm medium-fast and in recent matches, he has taken five wickets.

Babar Azam

Babar Azam is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He has an average of 57 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9.1. He is a top-order, right-handed batter. In the last 5 matches, he has scored 206 runs averaging 41.2.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He has an average of 55 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.5. Rizwan is a top-order, right-handed batter and also keeps wickets. In the last 5 matches, he has scored 199 runs at an average of 99.5 per match.

Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan is a key inclusion to your Dream11 Fantasy Team. He has an average of 55 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 7.9. He is a right-handed batter. In the recently played five matches, he has scored 63 runs. He also bowls decently, bowling leg-break and in recent matches, he has taken three wickets.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler is a wicket-keeper with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.9 and can be a good pick for your Dream11 Team. He is a top-order, right-handed batter and also keeps wickets. In the last five matches, Buttler has scored 109 runs at an average of 21.8 per match.

Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali is a bowler with an average of 47 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.6, and a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He bowls right-arm medium-fast and in the last five matches, he has taken three wickets.

Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid is a bowler with an average of 45 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 6.9 and is a very inconsistent player in terms of fantasy points and can be a differential pick in your team. He bowls leg-break and in the recently played five matches, he has taken six wickets.

Fantasy Team

Wicket-Keepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler

Batters: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Will Jacks

All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi and Adil Rashid

Captain: Jos Buttler

Vice-Captain: Mohammad Rizwan

England vs Pakistan 1st T20I, Live Updates© X (Twitter)

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson wants his team to accept “failures” and urged individuals to raise their hand and display brilliance as the business end of the IPL starts next week. Despite four defeats on trot, Royals, courtesy their superb show during first half of the tourney are on 16 points and through to the play-offs once Delhi Capitals defeated Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. “To be very honest, we have to sit back and accept that we are going through some failures,” Samson told at post-match presentation ceremony after losing to Punjab Kings by five wickets.

“You have to find out what’s not working well as a team. When you are getting to the business end, we need someone to raise their finger up and say I am going to win the game for the team,” Samson said.

The skipper believes that there is enough talent in the team which can show individual spark under pressure.

“We have the players who can do that if all of us try that. It’s a team sport, but this is the time when we need individual players to step up.” He felt that 144 for 9 was a below-par batting effort.

“We were expecting wicket to be a touch better. I think it’s not a 140-kind of a wicket, we should have got around 160. I think that’s where we lost the game.” With wickets falling at regular intervals, Royals were forced to use Donovan Ferreira as an Impact Sub and missed a bowler.

“Would have been nicer to have one more bowling option, gets a little tough when you have just five. But I am used to it. And we have quality five bowlers.”

Punjab Kings skipper Sam Curran, who also won ‘Player of the Match’ award for his unbeaten 63 runs and two wickets with the ball spoke about the positives from the tournament despite finishing ninth. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the season, thoroughly enjoyed captaining. Quite frustrating to leave, but obviously excited about the World Cup,” said Curran, who won’t play the last game.

“Over the next few seasons, if we can keep some of the really good players, we can go better. Lots of positives. The chase against KKR. Shashank Singh has been amazing, Ashutosh (Sharma) in his debut season. Harshal and Arshdeep have done well as well.”

Sam Curran in action for Punjab Kings© AFP