T20 World Cup: Shai Hope’s whirlwind 82* ends USA’s dream run as semis race tightens

West Indies opener Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 82 against the USA in their Super 8 tie in Barbados to keep his team’s chances alive in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hope’s whirlwind knock helped West Indies chase a moderate 129 inside 11 overs with nine wickets remaining, as USA’s dream run at the showpiece event ends. This result, however, tightened the semis race as all three of WI, England, and South Africa could cruise ahead from Group B.

If England beats the USA in their final Super 8 match, they will be in pole position to make the semis. In that case, the West Indies vs South Africa game will eventually be a knockout, meaning despite winning six matches on the trot in this tournament, South Africa could exit should they lose to the co-hosts on Sunday in Antigua.

West Indies elected to bowl first after winning the toss. Hope returned to the playing XI for injured Brandon King, who got ruled out of the competition due to an injury. 

The hosts began brightly, with Andre Russell removing opener Steven Taylor on two. A 48-run stand between Nitish Kumar and Andries Gous helped USA get back on track but they couldn’t hold on to the momentum as West Indies picked three wickets for 14 runs to derail their run. 

Contributions from the lower order kept them in the game, but three wickets each to Russell and off-spinner Roston Chase saw WI dismiss the batting side on 128 with one ball remaining.

Although this target was not a worry for the power-hitting West Indies side, the USA still gave themselves a chance at the unthinkable. That plan, however, went in the drain after Hope began thrashing their bowlers left, right and centre.

The right-handed batter began with the onslaught and didn’t stop until the game was over. Alongside Johnson Charles, Hope added 67 for the first wicket, scoring most of the runs. 

Nicholas Pooran remained unbeaten on 27 off 12 balls, but it was Hope’s inning that made headlines. His outstanding knock of 82* off 39 balls saw him smashing a whopping eight sixes and four fours, as they completed the run chase inside 11 overs. 

This win helped them surpass England on the Net Run Rate, with their final match against the Proteas tagged as the decider.