The tournament didn’t anticipate this match, but it still merits it. With differing degrees of surprise, the co-hosts of this T20 World Cup managed to go past the group stages in distinct ways. The West Indies’ perfect record in the group, which was highlighted by a 104-run demolition of Afghanistan, solidified their place among the real title contenders. Meanwhile, the hope of a Super Over-worthy performance against Pakistan and unfavourable Florida weather that would ensure Pakistan was never given the chance to rise again from the canvas were the driving forces behind the USA’s advancement.
However, the group stages have suddenly faded from memory, and both teams have had a taste of the harsh, reality of the Super Eight. West Indies’ chances of winning a third championship and their first at home appear far more remote than they did just one game earlier as England found their best form again in St Lucia, giving them no chance to win. They would be in danger of going out if they lost again.
After Brandon King was forced to retire hurt against England due to a side strain, the West Indies must also consider how to replace him. Even though he hasn’t scored many runs this tournament—just 63 in four group stage matches—he appeared to be at his most potent against England. As West Indies shot out of the starting blocks, he was undefeated for 23 off just 13 balls. His side’s momentum wavered when Nicolas Pooran replaced him.
Above all, the West Indies are experiencing pressure for the first time from a narrowing margin of error. Even though the USA hasn’t triumphed since their shocking victory over Pakistan, they haven’t shown any indications of weakness. In their first Super Eight match, they had a brief moment when it appeared as though they might run South Africa very close before losing by 18 runs.
Although Aaron Jones’ team knows that their opponents still have a lot to aspire for, they too need to win in order to have a realistic chance of qualifying. Even though the USA’s bowling effort against South Africa was the worst on a belting track, it still gave South Africa some anxiety. The USA will know that a stronger bowling effort gives them a genuine chance to maintain their fairytale campaign against a West Indies team that wasn’t exactly at their best against England, either with the bat or the ball.