England will be hoping for victory when they face USA at the historic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Sunday. Both teams find themselves in need of wins after losing their opening Super Eight matches.
England started their second round campaign with a victory over West Indies, but were defeated by South Africa in a closely fought contest last time out. They now sit third in the group behind South Africa and West Indies. A victory over USA is crucial if they wish to continue their push for a semi-final berth.
USA enter the match at the bottom of the table after losses to South Africa and hosts West Indies. They require an upset win to stay in the hunt for a top-two finish. Their batters will need to step up after failing to post competitive totals in the first two Super Eight games.
England are expected to back the same lineup that played recently. Phil Salt has been in sublime form at the top of the order while Jos Buttler continues to lead from the front as captain. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone provide the impetus in the middle overs. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood lead the pace attack.
USA will rely on experienced players like opener Andries Gous and all-rounders Corey Anderson and Monank Patel. Spinner Ali Khan has been one of their most economical bowlers. They must fire as a complete unit to stand any chance of unsettling England.
Conditions are favorable for batting in Barbados, with shorter boundaries aiding scoring rates. Weather is expected to be sunny with no rain interruptions. The surface at Kensington Oval has averaged moderate first innings scores over the past year.
It promises to be an exciting Sunday evening clash between two sides eyeing crucial wins. England will start as favorites but cannot afford to take USA lightly on home soil.
