World Cup 2023: Australia Knock Out Rivals England With 33-run Triumph, March Ahead in Semis Race

England’s title defence comes to an end as they lost their do-or-die World Cup clash against arch-rivals Australia by 33 runs on Saturday at Narendra Modi Stadium. It was another dismal batting performance from England as they failed to chase down the target of 287 and were bundled out for just 253.

The defending champions have been the biggest disappointment in the ongoing World Cup as now they have lost six of their 7 matches and remained at the bottom of the table. The defeat also made their case of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025 worse.

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Chasing the 287-run target, England lost opener Jonny Bairstow on the first ball of the innings courtesy of Mitchell Starc. Joe Root’s poor run in the tournament also continued as he was dismissed for just 13.

Dawid Malan (50) and Ben Stokes (64) tried to revive the chase for England with a solid 84-run stand for the third wicket. However, it just didn’t work out for England.

Skipper Jos Buttler’s horror show with the bat also continued as he scored just 1.

Moeen Ali also put up some fight but he lost his wicket at the crucial juncture of the game.

Chris Woakes (32), Adil Rashid (20) and David Milley (15) tried to take the game closer but it all ended in vain.

Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers for Australia with three scalps, while pace troika – Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins claimed two each.

Earlier, England bowlers led by Chris Woakes struck regular blows but Australia reached a competitive 286 all out in a key World Cup clash between the Ashes rivals.

Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 71 after Australia were invited to bat first at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

Woakes returned figures of 4-54 and was supported by fellow quick Mark Wood and leg-spinner Adil Rashid two each.

Woakes struck early to remove the openers before Steve Smith and Labuschagne put on 75 runs to steady the innings but Rashid broke through.

Rashid dismissed Smith for 44 and then had Josh Inglis (three) caught at backward point after the batsman attempted a reverse sweep.

Labuschagne reached his 50 and put on a partnership of 61 with Cameron Green, who made 47, before falling to Mark Wood. He made 71.

Green and Marcus Stoinis, the two players coming into the team in place of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh, put on 45 for the sixth wicket.