The defending champions of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2022, Australia, are eliminated from the tournament in the group stages. Australia finishes 3rd on Group 1 points table with 7 points to their tally.
After losing their opening game against New Zealand, the home team pulled themselves up quickly and won two games. However, Australia ‘s luck went sideways as one game was abandoned due to rain and they had to settle for just one point, which messed up their calculations.
In the end, the defending champions were dependent on the result of the England vs Sri Lanka game. They needed Sri Lanka to win owing to a poor net run rate. But England clinched the game in a last-over thriller. Lastly, England and Australia ended up with 7 points each, and the healthy net run rate got England through to the semi-finals.
England ended Australia ‘s T20 World Cup campaign
In a must-win game against Sri Lanka, England was asked to bowl first by Dasun Shanaka. Pathum Nissanka’s 67 off 45 deliveries anchored Sri Lanka’s innings, and they reached a total of 141. That looked below par, but Sri Lanka has a trick up its sleeve. Basically, they played with an extra spinner. The pitch was old, slow, and had plenty to offer the spinners.
England unleashed an assault in the powerplay. The duo of Hales and Buttler put together 70 runs in the first 6 overs. The Lankas kept their cool and used their spinners immediately. And, Shanaka’s plan worked. Hasaranga was quick to remove both the openers and slow down the pace of the game. Furthermore, Dhanajaya removed the dangerous Moeen Ali and Harry Brook. Also, Dawid Malan did not come out to bat as he suffered an injury in the field. Australia ‘s hopes were still alive.
Ben Stokes took the team home
Meanwhile, England’s only hope was Ben Stokes. Stokes held his ground strong and took the game to the wire. He played down the spinners carefully and waited for the pacers in the death. With 5 needing of the final overs, Chris Woakes finished off with a boundary and England was through to the semis. Moreover, Stokes finished with 42 off 36 deliveries to end Australia ‘s dreams.
England will now face the table toppers of Group 2 in the semi-finals of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2022. The home team curse has gripped Australia. No hosting team has ever managed to win the title in the history of the T20 World Cup.
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