Table of Contents
England captain Jos Buttler returned to form in spectacular fashion, smashing five sixes in an over during the Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against the United States of America (USA) on Sunday (June 23). The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, played host to this encounter, which saw England secure a comprehensive victory.
USA’s struggle with the bat
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, the USA managed a total of 115 runs in 18.5 overs. Nitish Kumar (30), Corey Anderson (29) and Harmeet Singh (21) chipped in with useful contributions in the batting department. However, the USA struggled against a disciplined English bowling attack. Chris Jordan was the standout performer with figures of 4/10, displaying impeccable control and accuracy. Adil Rashid also contributed significantly, taking 2/13 and applying constant pressure on the USA batters. The consistent fall of wickets prevented the USA from building any substantial partnerships, and they were bowled out with 7 balls remaining in their innings.
Jos Buttler’s onslaught: Five sixes against Harmeet Singh
In response, Buttler launched a ferocious attack on the USA bowlers, playing an unbeaten knock of 83 off just 38 balls. His innings was highlighted by an extraordinary ninth over against left-arm spinner Harmeet, where Buttler hit five sixes.
The onslaught began after Phil Salt took a single off the first ball of the over. On the second ball, Buttler made room and drove a delivery over long-off for a towering six. The third ball, a full-length delivery aimed at his toes, was effortlessly lifted over square leg. Buttler’s explosive wrists came into play on the fourth ball as he dispatched a length ball over the sightscreen. The fifth ball saw Buttler muscle a shot cruelly over the leg side, and he rounded off the over with a brutal roundhouse slug over the leg side on a full-length delivery. This remarkable display of power and precision left the spectators in awe and significantly reduced the required runs for England.
Here’s the video:
Also WATCH: Chris Jordan claims a sensational hat-trick during USA vs ENG game at T20 World Cup 2024
Historic achievement
Buttler’s brutal assault on Harmeet made him only the second batter in T20 International history to hit five sixes in an over. This achievement placed him alongside India’s Yuvraj Singh, who famously hit six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Buttler’s innings was not only a personal milestone but also a critical contribution to England’s dominance in the match.
Ensuring England’s qualification for semi-finals
Buttler’s fireworks ensured that England chased down the target in just 9.4 overs with ten wickets in hand, securing their place in the semi-finals as group leaders. Phil Salt provided solid support with an unbeaten 25, ensuring that England reached the target without further hiccups. The emphatic win highlighted England’s dominance in the tournament and their readiness to take on the challenges of the knockout stages. Buttler’s exceptional performance, combined with disciplined bowling and effective partnerships, underscored England’s strength as a formidable contender for the T20 World Cup title.
