Australia’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, successfully defending a total of 286 runs to not only extinguish England’s qualification hopes but also solidify their own position in the top four at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23).
Australia’s innings had a rocky start as they were bowled out for 286, with Marnus Labuschagne being the highest scorer with 71 runs. However, their exceptional bowling effort ensured England could not secure a morale-boosting victory. Adam Zampa continued to shine, establishing himself as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
Dawid Malan (50), Ben Stokes (64), and Moeen Ali (42) were the standout performers in England’s batting lineup, but Zampa’s extraordinary figures of 3/21 tied England in knots.
This victory significantly strengthens Australia’s position in the race for the semi-finals, while England’s sixth defeat officially eliminates them from contention for a top-four finish.
Before the game, the Australian team paid tribute to Mitchell Marsh’s late grandfather Ross by wearing black armbands. Marsh, who had left the squad to be with his family, is set to rejoin the team in Mumbai soon.
The match began on a high note for Australia, with the wicket of Jonny Bairstow on the very first ball of England’s innings. Bairstow was caught down the leg side while attempting to deal with Mitchell Starc’s initial delivery.
Joe Root and Dawid Malan aimed to rebuild England’s innings during the initial powerplay. Unfortunately, Root’s run of low scores continued as a fine edge led to his dismissal, leaving England in a precarious position at 19/2.
Ben Stokes and Dawid Malan formed a solid partnership, adding 84 runs to the scoreboard. However, Malan’s departure shortly after reaching his half-century shifted the momentum back in Australia’s favor. Jos Buttler’s disappointing tournament continued as he managed only one run before falling to Adam Zampa.
Once again, it was Ben Stokes who held the key for England, reaching his half-century with style. However, his dismissal to Zampa, along with Liam Livingstone’s quick exit, ended England’s realistic hopes. Despite late contributions from David Willey, Chris Woakes, and Adil Rashid, Australia secured the victory with 33 runs to spare.
During Australia’s innings, England’s bowlers put up a commendable performance after winning the toss. Chris Woakes struck early, dismissing Travis Head (11) in his first over and then accounting for David Warner in the sixth over, leaving Australia at 38/2.
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne formed a steady partnership, adding 75 runs. However, Adil Rashid’s quick wickets halted Australia’s progress. Smith (44) and Inglis fell victim to Rashid, with both catches taken by Moeen Ali.
Labuschagne’s dismissal for 71 and a crucial partnership between Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis helped Australia surpass the 200-run mark. Nevertheless, wickets continued to fall, and England managed to bowl out Australia with three balls to spare.
Chris Woakes finished with figures of 4/54, while Adil Rashid’s 2/38 were the most economical in the England bowling attack. Despite the bowlers’ efforts, England’s batsmen once again failed to support their team, resulting in another disappointing defeat.
In summary, Australia’s impressive bowling performance secured a vital win, putting them in a strong position for the semi-finals, while England’s qualification hopes have been dashed.
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