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Australia beat defending champions England by 36 runs to take top spot in their group at the International Cricket Council Men’s Twenty20 World Cup in Barbados on Saturday.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa played a crucial role in Australia’s victory as he took crucial wickets to frustrate England’s strong start and anchor an impressive total for his team.
Set England a challenging target of 202 on a high-scoring pitch at Kensington Oval, Australia took the lead thanks to a strong opening partnership from David Warner and Travis Head. Warner blasted 39 off 16 deliveries while Head contributed 34 off 18 deliveries, setting the stage for Australia’s highest score so far in the tournament.
After winning the toss, England’s bowlers found it difficult to contain Australia’s aggressive batting, allowing the hosts to post 7-201 in 20 overs. England fought back to post 6-165, with Zampa (2-28) crucially removing openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt to turn the tide and give Australia the upper hand.
Our game was excellent across the board
Australia captain Mitch Marsh praised his team’s all-round performance, highlighting the contributions of the experienced players at crucial moments. “I’m really pleased with their efforts,” Marsh said. “I thought our all-round game was outstanding. Our experienced players shined when we needed them to.”
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England opened with 202 and momentum, with Buttler (28 off 42) and Salter (23 off 37) getting off to a fast start. However, the introduction of Zampa changed the momentum of the match. He bowled Salter with his first delivery and later bowled Buttler, who had been England’s top scorer. Pat Cummings, who returned to the T20 side, also played an important role, taking two runs and scoring 23, ensuring England never regained their early momentum.
Moeen Ali scored a quick 25, including three sixes from Glenn Maxwell in the over, to give England some brief hope. However, Maxwell got his revenge by catching Jonny Bairstow at deep midwicket off a delivery from Josh Hazlewood, ending England’s chances of winning once and for all.
Warner and Head had earlier combined to score a quick 70 runs, setting the tone for Australia. Despite a poor middle-innings performance, late work from Marsh (35), Maxwell (28) and Marcus Stoinis (30) helped Australia to a commanding lead.
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A wonderful game of thrones
Zampa noted that England were under pressure following Australia’s aggressive start. “I thought they were under a lot of pressure and it showed,” Zampa said. “In the powerplay it was difficult for us to bowl and if your bowlers can’t sum it up quickly it can be frustrating.”
England captain Buttler acknowledged Australia’s outstanding performance and the challenges his team faced. “They put a lot of pressure on us at the beginning and played a strong attack. From then on, it was difficult for us to get back in the scoreline,” he said.
With this win, Australia remain unbeaten in the tournament and if they continue their winning streak against Scotland and Namibia, they will look to top Group B. England are yet to win and face a must-win game against Oman to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive.
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