England make it to Super 8s with a little help from Australia

England managed to scrape through to the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup thanks not only to their 41-run win (under D/L method) over Namibia at North Sound, Antigua, but also a stellar chase by Australia against Scotland.

Harry Brook first hammered a 20-ball unbeaten 47 (4x4s; 2x6s) to take England to 122/5 in 10 overs. England then restricted Namibia to 84/3 in 10 overs.

Namibia’s South Africa-born David Wiese, who remained unbeaten on 27 off 12 balls, played the last match of his career and retired from the sport.

Scotland, on the other hand, made 180/5 in 20 overs at Gros Islet in St Lucia with Brandon McMullen top-scoring with 60 off 34 balls and Richie Berrington making unbeaten 42 off 31 balls.

In response, the Scotts, who went into this game with five points and with a chance to make the Super 8s at the expense of England, picked an early wicket of David Warner before bringing down Australia to 60/3 in the ninth over.

Marcus Stoinis, however, scored 59 off 29 balls and Tim David remained unbeaten on 24 off 14 balls to see their team through with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Australia ended at 186/5 in 19.4 overs.

While Australia go to Group 1 in Super 8s and face India, Afghanistan and one of Bangladesh or Netherlands, England go to Group 2 in Super 8s to face South Africa, United States and West Indies.

England cricket, Australia cricket, T20 World Cup