NORTH SOUND: England’s defence of the Twenty20 World Cup title is still alive after a must-win over Namibia in a rain-affected match, followed by a helping hand from traditional rivals Australia later on Saturday.
To reach the Super Eight, England first had to beat Namibia in their maiden T20 matchup. Persistent showers almost ruined the chance, but the match started three hours late and was reduced to 11 overs, then ten overs after another heavy shower.
England were made to bat first and rallied to 122-5.
Namibia, given a rain-adjusted target of 126, managed only 84-3 and lost by 41 runs.
England did what they had to, then had to wait a few more hours and hope Scotland lost to Australia in Saint Lucia to be sure of advancing from Group B.
Australia, who had already qualified from Group B, were made to work but eventually overpowered Scotland in a five-wicket win to give England the result they needed to progress to the Super Eight.
England were anxious for most of the day, thanks to the weather. They had already suffered one washout — their opener against Scotland — and a second washout in four group games would have sent them home.
Because of what was at stake, the umpires waited as long as possible at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to get play under way.
Australia end Scotland’s dream
At Gros Islet, St Lucia, Group B leaders Australia were made to work hard in their maiden T20 matchup against Scotland before they rallied late to win by five wickets.
After England’s 41-run victory saw them jump into second place in the group, Scotland knew they had to beat Australia to advance to the Super Eight.
Scotland were made to bat first and built a competitive 180-5.
Australia were on the backfoot for most of the innings until some big-hitting from Travis Head (68 from 49 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (59 from 29 balls) seized back momentum in the late overs and saw the Aussies home.
“Obviously, it’s hugely disappointing as a group,” said Scotland batsman Brandon McCullen who top-scored with 60.
“We’ve played some real good cricket in this tournament so far and the belief was super high going into today’s game.
“We had a good start in the first half of the game and the first innings and we just couldn’t quite back it up in the bowling.”
Scotland seeking to make the playoff stage of a T20 World Cup for the first time started brightly with George Munsey (35 off 23 balls) and Brandon McMullen (60 off 34 balls) getting Scotland off to a brisk start after Michael Jones was bowled by Ashton Agar in the first over.
[caption id="attachment_1090471" align="alignnone" width="819"] Australia’s Tim David bats during the men’s T20 World Cup match vs Scotland, at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, Saturday. - AP PHOTO[/caption]
Captain Richie Berrington kept the scoreboard ticking for the Scots with an unbeaten 42 off 31 balls, but Australia’s closing bowlers off Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa restricted Scotland from getting closer to the 200 run total they looked li
