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Matthew Wade (Source-ICC)
Defending World Champions, England were dealt a massive blow on Saturday as they lost to Australia by 36 runs. The loss meant that England now has 1 point from 2 matches and needs to win against Oman and Namibia by huge margins to entertain hopes of making it to the next stage of the tournament.
There was a massive controversial moment during the 18th over of the Australian innings. Matthew Wade was embroiled in a huge confrontation with umpire Nitin Menon of India. The Australian wicketkeeper had pulled out at the last moment when Adil Rashid delivered the ball. Wade patted the ball and was expecting the ball to be called a dead ball.
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Nitin Menon though didn’t signal it as a dead ball and it was considered a legal delivery. It was at this time that Wade was seen getting angry and having a few words with the umpire. Not one to be fazed, Nitin Menon shooed the batter away and asked him to take strike for the next ball.
Australia stamped their authority over England with easy win
Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to bowl first and went in with the same team. Pat Cummins came into the Australian side in place of Nathan Ellis who had played against Oman. Travis Head and David Warner began well as the two raced 70 runs in the first 5 overs of the game.
David Warner was the first batter who was out for 39 runs off 16 balls before he was bowled by Moeen Ali. The next man to go was Travis Head as he was bowled by Jofra Archer for 34 runs off just 18 balls. Australia ended their innings on a huge 201 from their 20 overs for the loss of 7 wickets.
Phil Salt and Jos Buttler gave England the perfect start as they added 73 runs for the first wicket in 7 overs. Adam Zampa delivered the first blow to England when he castled Salt for 37 runs from 23 balls. Jos Buttler was the top scorer for England with just 42 runs as the Aussies kept picking wickets at regular intervals.
Despite some late-order hitting from Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, and Harry Brook the Australians held their nerves. England now will next play Oman before ending their campaign with the game against Namibia with both matches set to be played in Antigua.