The clock has struck midnight for the USA team. The magic has turned back to ordinary and the carriage back to the pumpkin. But the glass slipper remains shining on the stairs. And by a stroke of luck, the slipper can have the good fortune come knocking at their door. This likely-to-be last match in this edition of the World Cup is slated against the defending champions, England. While there is just an outside chance for an upset, the Americans don’t have any option but to hope that with all they can. Even if they fail to grab this opportunity, it will not be a loss in any way. As debutants, they have already punched above their weight to come to a stage even full members fell short of reaching. Crazy game cricket is.
If England thought all of their worries ended the moment Scotland were thrown out of the Super Eights contention, they were very much mistaken. The game where the Windies convincingly took away two points from the USA, did not only hurt them but the impact also took England in its wake. The West Indian team got an NRR boost, sliding them past both South Africa and England and making the scenario more interesting for Group 2 (and life more difficult for the defending side). In the previous game, the defeat at the hands of the South African team also gave England a reality check they very begrudgingly took and now Jos Butler’s men stand on the brink, hoping to not falter against the co-hosts in a game that is almost a quarter-final for them.
Team Overview:
England have finally cracked the code for their playing XI. Jonny Bairstow, instead of Moeen Ali, was sent in at number three in the South Africa game and it is what they are likely to stick with. Somehow, the middle order has decided to ditch their deep slumber but the team would like to stay oblivious to the knowledge that the said slumber has not engulfed the top order. Jos Butler, Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, and Moeen Ali – all failed to chip in with strong-looking figures which eventually cost them two points against South Africa. The bowlers displayed quite an ordinary show as well which Butler would hope was a one-time thing only.
The reason why the USA were able to do what they did was they are a team. Everyone chipping in something – be it batters or bowlers. However, that ominous shoulder injury that has sidelined Monank Patel since the upset against Pakistan seems to be convincing even the most staunch anti-superstition cult that it has something to do with the losing streak. The more-than-others experienced Corey Anderson has so far been quiet in the tournament, though this silence was not as maddening when Aaron Jones and Andries Gous’ bats were making those explosive sounds. Without their usual skipper and the batters failing to stay firm against West Indies, the USA team as a whole looked without the usual aura they carried in the previous games. The same aura that would be very important to put a strong fight against England.
Head-to-head Matches:
At least in cricket, both teams have never played against each other. This will be the first T20I match between both sides.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Rain might be a frequent guest at Kensington Oval on Sunday but it won’t incur significant damage. The deck is a little sluggish but batters will find some assistance owing to the true bounce. Pacers can hope to get seam movement during the early stages of the game. The pitch tends to incline more towards batters as the game progresses. Winning the toss, a captain should decide to bowl first.
Prediction:
Keeping in view the current form as well as England’s well-oiled team, they are likely to triumph over the co-hosts. The USA would want to resist as strongly as they can and they can also bring the game close but even then winning against England would be a task greater than what their arsenal holds.
Where to Watch:
- India – Star Sports
- Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming) and Tamasha app (Live streaming)
- USA and Canada – Willow TV
- England – Sky Sports Network
- Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
- New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
- Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
