England’s T20 World Cup title defence was sparked by a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it victory against Oman, as Jos Buttler’s team reached their target of 48 in just 19 balls.
So what does that mean for their chances of reaching the Super Eight? And what could stop them reaching the second round in the Caribbean?
What does England need to do to qualify?
Let’s win and have hope.
England’s net run rate after their big win over Oman was higher than Scotland’s.
The magnitude of the win over Oman means England no longer have to realistically worry about being eliminated on net run rate.
This statistic has increased significantly from -1.80 to +3.08, beating Scotland’s +2.164, meaning England will almost certainly come out on top on net run rate if both teams end up with five points.
So a win against Namibia in Antigua on Saturday (6pm BST) would be enough for Buttler’s Scotland, provided they lose to already-qualified Australia in St Lucia (1.30am Sunday).
What could go wrong for the defending champions?
many.
Firstly, there have been some surprising results in this tournament so far, most notably the USA’s win over Pakistan, so the possibility of Namibia stoking an upset against England should not be taken lightly.
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Highlights from the USA vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup, where the USA pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
England could also lose out due to the weather, with rain in Antigua and St Lucia putting them behind Scotland on points and facing early elimination.
Let’s not forget that Scotland are a very good team and have every chance of beating Australia. Last week, before Barbados was hit by rain, Scotland thrashed England to 90-0 in 10 overs, with openers George Manzie and Michael Jones performing well.
And then there’s the possibility of Australian fraud…
What do you say now?
Yes, Australia can still screw things up for England.
With qualification now assured and points not carrying over to the next stage, Australia may opt to rest players for the Scotland match.
Australia also already knows which Super 8 pool they’ll be in. Due to scheduling arrangements, the eight seeded teams will know in advance which group they’ll be in if they advance, so it’s no problem for the 2021 champions.
Australia may rest key players when they face Scotland in St Lucia this weekend
Seam bowler Josh Hazlewood also said he believed it was in Australia’s “best interests” to beat a strong team like England to avoid a potential semi-final or final, and suggested they would attempt a slow chase to keep Scotland’s net run rate above England’s.
But Buttler’s team’s big win over Oman puts that scenario behind them. The only way Australia can beat England is by losing, and it’s hard to imagine an Australian team, or any sporting team, capitulating in that way.
If found guilty of manipulating the result by the ICC, captain Mitchell Marsh could face a maximum two-match suspension and fine, which seems unlikely…
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Phil Salt scored sixes off the first two balls of the innings as England reached a target of 48 off 19 balls against Oman.
What’s next?
England They will face Namibia in Antigua on Saturday at 6pm (UK & Ireland time). Scottish The final leg of Group B will see the match against Australia kick off at 1.30am on Sunday in St Lucia.
You can watch every T20 World Cup match live on Sky Sports, including the final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
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