Defending champions England’s hopes of reaching the T20 World Cup Super 8s took a big dent as they slipped to a heavy 36-run defeat to Australia in Barbados.
Jos Buttler’s side, batting for the first time in the tournament after rain prevented them beginning a chase in the abandonment against Scotland on Tuesday, could muster only 165-6 having been set 202 to win, with Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa bagging 2-28 and supported superbly by the seamers, including Pat Cummins (2-23).
Buttler (42 off 28) and opening partner Phil Salt (37 off 23) smoked 73 in seven overs but then fell to Zampa as Australia seized control and the dot balls built up, with Moeen Ali’s three sixes of Glenn Maxwell in the 14th over only a fleeting high at the backend.
Score summary – Australia vs England
Australia 201-7 from 20 overs: David Warner (39 off 16), Mitchell Marsh (35 off 25), Travis Head (34 off 18); Chris Jordan (2-44), Liam Livingstone (1-15), Jofra Archer (1-28)
England 165-6 from 20 overs: Jos Buttler (42 off 28 balls), Phil Salt (37 off 23); Pat Cummins (2-23), Adam Zampa (2-28)
