After rain threat, England registered a convincing 41-run win by DLS method against Namibia to keep themselves alive in the Super 8 stage. England players and fans for a change supported Australia. A win against Scotland would mean Australia and England advance to the Super 8 stage. But England players would not be happy with the commitment showed by Australian fielders against Scotland as they dropped a record-breaking six catches which allowed the associate nation to set a target of 181.
Australia break Pakistan's unwanted record
Australia managed to create a T20 World Cup record for most catches dropped by a team in a single game. The previous record belonged to Pakistan. They dropped five catches each against England in 2009 and 2010 editions.
Second chance for openers
In Mitchell Starc's second over, both Scotland openers were given a reprieve. First, skipper Mitchell Marsh could not hold on as he leapt to get his left hand on the ball inside the 30-yard circle. George Munsey was batting for just two runs then. In the same over, Travis Head dropped a half chance while diving to his right. Brandon McMullen was batting on 17 when his catch was dropped.
McMullen went on to score his half-century from just 26 balls while Munsey played second fiddle. In the ninth over, Glenn Maxwell managed to dismiss Munsey and break the opening partnership. He scored 35 runs from 23 balls. In Maxwell's next over, skipper Richie Berrington's catch was dropped by Marsh. He had scored just two runs before getting dropped.
Tough one put down
Adam Zampa ended McMullen's entertaining knock of 34-ball 60. But Zampa could not replicate his success in the outfield. Matthew Cross went for the pull shot against Starc Zampa was at fine leg and attempted a catch but he could not hold on to it. To add to Starc’s misery, it went for a six.
Maxwell left frustrated
In the 15th over, Maxwell was brought back into the attack. Berrington played a cut shot towards extra cover and found Marsh who dropped another catch. On the next ball, Cross attempted a sweep shot but it brushed the gloves. This time Matthew Wade dropped the catch. Moreover, Marsh opted for a review which went in vain.
Maxwell ended up going for 44 runs from his quota of four overs. He got the wicket of Cross with a full toss in the 15th over. Berrington made the most of the opportunity and remained unbeaten for 31-ball 42 as Scotland posted 180/5 after Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl first.
What Hazlewood said
Earlier, Josh Hazlewood said that knocking defending champions England out of the tournament is in their best interest.
“In this tournament you potentially come up against England at some stage again and they're probably one of the top few teams on their day," Hazlewood said in a press conference.
“We've had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket so if we can get them out of the tournament that's in our best interest, as well as probably everyone else's.”
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