Aussies cop brutal blow after England win at T20 World Cup
Australia's T20 World Cup defence is teetering on the brink after England's impressive win over group leaders New Zealand on Tuesday night at the Gabba.
England knew victory was crucial to their chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the tournament and Jos Buttler set his side up for victory with a game-defining knock of 73 off 47 balls.
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The England captain and his fellow opener Alex Hales (52 off 40) shared in a sensational partnership to set England up with a competitive 179-run total, before a controlled bowling performance sealed the 20-run victory in Brisbane.
The win means England are now equal on points with both New Zealand and Australia, albeit with a superior net run-rate to Aaron Finch's Aussie side (0.547 to -0.304).
Australia can still progress to the semi-finals with a win over Afghanistan in their final Super 12 group stage match, and hope that Sri Lanka can beat England in their final game.
The exact equation is hard to determine given different totals impact the net run rate differently, however Australia would need to beat Afghanistan by roughly 60 runs or six overs faster than England beat Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankans also know a win against England gives them an outside chance of progressing to the last four, provided the Aussies don't get anything out of their clash against Afghanistan.
Speaking after England's win over New Zealand on Tuesday night, Buttler said he was glad they had the fate of their World Cup chances in their own hands.
"We've just got to wait and see exactly what happens, but there is a benefit having the last game, knowing what's required of us," Buttler said of their predicament.
"It's a big relief heading to that last game knowing we have a chance of progressing.
"It would have been a tough flight if we'd lost today, especially.
"But we showed great character in a must win match and will arrive with confidence."
New Zealand's loss means they too are yet to secure safe passage, but also equal on points and boasting a 2.233 net run rate they're far more secure ahead of a clash with Ireland.
Buttler said his side had been itching to play after a wash-out against Australia and a shock loss to Ireland had hampered their campaign.
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"That felt like such a long break (between games), we were desperate to get out there and show how good we are as a team," he said.
Buttler benefited from two dropped chances during his knock then took a great catch and made constant bowling changes to stifle New Zealand's chase.
He opened with Moeen Ali, who only went for four runs, then backed Mark Wood and Sam Curran to see them home in the latter overs.
"I've just got to trust my instinct," he said.
"You can look at numbers 'til the cows come home, but the feel on the day is an important part of it.
"As it evolves over time I'll get even more of a feel for what I like."
In his 100th T20 international, Buttler benefited from two dropped catches to help England reach 6-179 from their 20 overs at the Gabba.
He then snared a wonderful diving catch down the legside as New Zealand's chase began horribly.
There was another twist though with Glenn Phillips (62 off 36) benefiting from a shocking Moeen Ali dropped chance to give New Zealand a pulse.
But with 61 still needed off 30 balls, England steadied as New Zealand finished on 6-159 in front of 22,547 fans in Brisbane.
with AAP
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