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SYDNEY: a highlight England find themselves in a three-way battle for a place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup but captain Jos Buttler will have the advantage of knowing exactly what to do in their final group game against Sri Lanka.
The 2010 champions are locked in between New Zealand and Australia, the two teams that played in last year’s final, on net run rate, even though all three are level on points with one game remaining.
With Australia and New Zealand completing their Super 12 campaigns on Saturday, Butler will know exactly what margin of victory will be enough to reach the last four with a top-two finish in the group.
“I think it does work to our advantage. See what happens today, and then we can adapt to whatever tomorrow requires,” England opener Alex Hales said at a news conference on Friday.
“I think we’re pretty confident with whatever we have to do, we have the skills and firepower to do it.”
Shocked by Ireland in a rain-affected Super 12 contest, England looked to be in their element during the 20-run victory over New Zealand, with Buttler leading by example with the bat.
As there was talk in the dressing room of the net run rate, Hales said they were looking “pretty good” and he was confident England would make the last four.
“It’s a pretty tough competition, and getting through is difficult,” he said.
“It will be a good achievement if we can get through, in a tough group in my opinion.”
Openers have struggled in the tournament so far, but both Hales and Buttler have smashed half-centuries against New Zealand.
Their deep batting and abundance of all-rounders make England favorites against Sri Lanka, whose unlikely chances of reaching the semi-finals will require two upset wins – theirs against England and Afghanistan’s over defending champions Australia.
Sri Lanka batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa said the Asia Cup champions, led by former England coach Chris Silverwood, simply wanted to end their campaign on a winning note.
“Unfortunately not all the results came our way, but tomorrow’s game is quite important to end on a high note,” said the 31-year-old.
“We just want to play good cricket and justify our presence in Australia. That’s about it.”
The 2010 champions are locked in between New Zealand and Australia, the two teams that played in last year’s final, on net run rate, even though all three are level on points with one game remaining.
With Australia and New Zealand completing their Super 12 campaigns on Saturday, Butler will know exactly what margin of victory will be enough to reach the last four with a top-two finish in the group.
“I think it does work to our advantage. See what happens today, and then we can adapt to whatever tomorrow requires,” England opener Alex Hales said at a news conference on Friday.
“I think we’re pretty confident with whatever we have to do, we have the skills and firepower to do it.”
Shocked by Ireland in a rain-affected Super 12 contest, England looked to be in their element during the 20-run victory over New Zealand, with Buttler leading by example with the bat.
As there was talk in the dressing room of the net run rate, Hales said they were looking “pretty good” and he was confident England would make the last four.
“It’s a pretty tough competition, and getting through is difficult,” he said.
“It will be a good achievement if we can get through, in a tough group in my opinion.”
Openers have struggled in the tournament so far, but both Hales and Buttler have smashed half-centuries against New Zealand.
Their deep batting and abundance of all-rounders make England favorites against Sri Lanka, whose unlikely chances of reaching the semi-finals will require two upset wins – theirs against England and Afghanistan’s over defending champions Australia.
Sri Lanka batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa said the Asia Cup champions, led by former England coach Chris Silverwood, simply wanted to end their campaign on a winning note.
“Unfortunately not all the results came our way, but tomorrow’s game is quite important to end on a high note,” said the 31-year-old.
“We just want to play good cricket and justify our presence in Australia. That’s about it.”
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