Adil Rashid lauded the match-winning abilities of Chris Jordan and Jos Buttler after England secured their T20 World Cup semi-final spot on Sunday.
England smashed the United States with a 10-wicket victory as Buttler powered an eye-catching 83, smashing six fours and seven sixes from just 38 balls.
Matthew Mott's white-ball side reached their 116-run target with a huge 62 deliveries to spare, sealing their place in the last four with ease after only just sneaking into the Super 8s phase.
Yet the convincing victory would not have been possible without Jordan, who managed four wickets from five balls – including a hat-trick – to end the USA's innings inside 19 overs.
Rashid, who also took 2-13 from his four-over spell, lavished praise on the England bowler, as well as captain Buttler.
"CJ's a match-winner," Rashid said in his post-match interview. "He's been doing it for a number of years, especially at the back end.
"Jos is a world-class player and has been for many a year, and hopefully we can carry it on now in the semi-finals."
Rashid was keen to share the credit among the entire England line-up, too.
"All the bowlers bowled extremely well and to restrict them to 115 was very pleasing," the leg-spinner added. "Always nice to keep it tight and get an early wicket which brings the new batter in.
"With the wind, you have to assess which end you're going to bowl. The googly's been coming out nicely, too."
Buttler seemed intent on a one-man demolition in England's chase, crunching the United States all over the pitch, including hammering 30 runs off Harmeet Singh's ninth over.
"I thought if we could bring our intensity we'd be too good," Buttler said. "I'm still one of the 11, I've got to do my job."
"We've got great options. We wanted to bring Chris Jordan back, adding a bit of depth with his batting capabilities as well. A World Cup hat-trick is a great effort."
The USA saw their World Cup run come to an end, but their victory over Pakistan will live long in the memory.
Aaron Jones, the star of the USA for much of the tournament, hopes to have put cricket on the American map.
"This is our first World Cup," he said. "I don't think people would have thought we'd be playing here against the big boys.
"Hopefully this will open the eyes of the American public. We've got a lot of calls and messages of support during this World Cup."
Panama 2-1 United States: Ill-discipline and Pepi's profligacy proves costly for Copa America hosts
The United States were defeated 2-1 by Panama in a thrilling Copa America encounter on Thursday.
A frantic opening paved the way for an exhilarating, blood and thunder match in which both teams had a player sent off.
The first 26 minutes in Atlanta saw the USA have a goal disallowed, Timothy Weah sent off and Folarin Balogun score a stunner before Cesar Blackman equalised.
With the match seemingly ebbing towards a draw, Ricardo Pepi's profligacy sparked a frenetic finale, with Jose Fajardo netting in the 83rd minute and Panama holding firm despite Adalberto Carrasquilla's red card.
Victory takes Panama level on three points with the Copa America hosts, who are in a precarious position ahead of facing Uruguay in their final Group C match.
A rowdy crowd was almost silenced inside the first two minutes when Yoel Barcenas' stunning bicycle kick flashed over the crossbar, but the home fans were soon celebrating when Weston McKennie slammed in, only for the goal to be disallowed after a lengthy VAR review for Tim Ream straying offside.
There was further VAR frustration to come for the USA, as they were reduced to 10 men when Weah saw a yellow card upgraded to a straight red after he lashed out at Amir Murillo.
That frustration turned to elation in the 22nd minute as Balogun brilliantly fired in from the edge of the box, his left-footed strike cannoning in off the inside of the right-hand upright.
It was a lead that lasted only four minutes – Blackman drilling into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards out to restore parity.
VAR came to the USA's rescue just after the hour when referee Ivan Barton overturned his decision to award Panama a penalty after Cameron Carter-Vickers lunged in on Fajardo.
Balogun went close to a sensational second soon after, but the best chance of the second half fell to his replacement Pepi, whose close-range header was kept out by Orlando Mosquera.
Pepi was immediately made to pay, with Fajardo making no mistake as he lashed home from close range, and even though Carrasquilla saw red, Panama sealed a memorable victory that throws Group C wide open.
Pepi pays the price
Pepi has had to settle for a substitute role with Balogun the first choice, but that has not stopped him having chances. In fact, he has accumulated more expected goals (2.27) than any other player in the tournament so far.
Yet the youngster, who has played just 43 minutes, has failed to convert any of his seven shots, while the other four players in the top five for xG at this edition of the Copa have all scored at least once.
McKennie did brilliantly to tee Pepi up for the USA's big moment in the second half, but PSV striker fluffed his lines.
In contrast, Balogun showed just how good he can be – his goal, his second of the tournament, came from a shot with an xG value of just 0.04. The Stars and Stripes might well need their first-choice forward to deliver that kind of quality again if they are to progress.
Panama worthy winners
Panama came out on top on penalties against the USA in the Gold Cup last year, but Thomas Christiansen's team were well worth their victory in regulation time on this occasion.
The USA did continue their run of scoring at least one goal when facing Panama – they have now done that in 19 of the last 20 meetings – but despite the hosts having a higher xG (1.11 to 0.76), Panama had the cutting edge when it mattered.
They had to play dirty at times, committing 19 fouls to the USA's four, and Gregg Berhalter may well point to that, but mastering the dark arts has given Panama, who face Bolivia next, a great chance of getting out of the group.
'He's probably saving it for the final' – India captain Rohit unconcerned by Kohli's form
Virat Kohli's indifferent form is not concerning India captain Rohit Sharma, who quipped his team-mate is "probably saving it for the final".
India hammered England by 68 runs on Thursday to book their place in the T20 World Cup final, in which they will meet South Africa.
Rohit struck 57 to put India on their way to victory, with their bowlers subsequently skittling England all out for 103.
Kohli, however, managed just nine runs, as the former India skipper's struggles continued. He has scored just 75 runs across seven innings at this edition of the tournament, and has been out for a duck twice.
Rohit, though, has few concerns over Kohli's form.
"Virat is a quality player," Rohit said. "Any player can through that. We understand his class.
"When you have played for 15 years, form is never a problem. He's probably saving it for the final."
Indeed, maintaining their composure will be crucial for India heading into Saturday's clash with the Proteas, so says Rohit.
He added: "We've been very calm. We understand the occasion of the final.
"It's important we stay composed, because that helps you make good decisions. We have been very steady, calm, and that has been the key for us.
"We'll try our best. All I can hope is to put in another good show come the final."
Foden heading back to Germany following birth of third child
England star Phil Foden was set to join back up with his team-mates on Thursday, according to reports.
Foden left England's Euro 2024 camp on Wednesday due to a "pressing family matter".
It was subsequently confirmed Foden was attending the birth of his third child.
The 24-year-old was then travelling back to Germany late on Thursday.
England face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.
Foden has started all three of England's matches at the tournament so far, though the Premier League Player of the Season has so far failed to find his best form.
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