England survive rain delays, Namibia to keep Super 8s hope alive

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 16, 2024 03:29 IST

England lived to fight another day in the T20 World Cup 2024. The defending champions went through a roller-coaster of emotions as rain threatened to ruin their chances of their final Group B game against Namibia in Antigua on Saturday, June 15 before Jos Buttler's side managed to win a curtailed contest.

England posted 122 in a 10-overs-per-side contest as the weather gods in Antigua played games with them. Chasing a revised target of 126, Namibia, champions of the African qualifiers, came up with a valiant effort, posting 84 runs in their quota of 10 overs as morning clouds gave way to sunshine in the afternoon at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

ENG vs NAM, T20 World Cup 2024: Highlights

With the 41-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis and Stern method (DLS), England stormed to the second spot in the Group B table of the T20 World Cup with 5 points from 4 matches.

However, they were still not assured of a spot in the next round -- the Super 8s. Scotland, who were set to play Australia in their final Group B game, were in contention with 5 points from 3 games, albeit with a poorer Net Run Rate than England.

Notably, England had their game against Scotland washed out, and it complicated their chances of keeping their title defence alive.

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After multiple rain delays and multiple inspections from the umpires, the curtailed game started just an hour before the scheduled cut-off time as the rub of the green went England's way.

BAIRSTOW AND BROOK FIRE FOR ENGLAND

Scotland won the toss and chose to field and they began well, getting England openers -- captain Jos Buttler and Phil Salt in the 3-over powerplay. Buttler was dismissed for a duck by a full inswinger from left-arm pacer Ruben Trumplemann. Salt was dismissed by the experienced David Wiese, who bowled a knuckle delivery to have the KKR opener caught behind for 11.

It was also the last game for Wiese in Namibian colours and the all-rounder gave it his all with a 2-wicket haul and a cameo of 27 from 12 balls. The England players applauded Wiese's efforts in his farewell match as the Namibian dressing room was up on its feet for the big-match player.

Just when it looked like things could go wrong for England, Jonny Bairstow used his experience to put the pressure back on the Namibian bowlers. Bairstow joined hands with Harry Brook and stitched a 56-run partnership that came in just 30 deliveries.

Both Bairstow and Brook did not hold back as they threw the kitchen sink at everything. Bairstow hit 2 sixes and 3 boundaries for his 18-ball 31 before he was undone by spinner Bernard Scholtz.

However, Brook kept the charge going. The young batter brought out the lap shots and reverse sweeps to tear into the Namibian bowling attack. He hit 2 sixes and 4 boundaries for his 20-ball 47 not out.

Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone gave the England innings the perfect finishing touches. Moeen hit 16 from just 6 balls while Livingstone hit 13 off 4 balls, which included 2 sixes in a 21-run final over.

Rain came down after the end of England's 8th over, giving their players a few nervy moments. However, it was just a passing shower. After the break, the game was reduced from 11 overs to 10-overs-per-side contest.

David Wiese was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up a wicket and gave away just 6 runs in his quota of 2 overs. Trumpelmann picked 2 wickets but leaked 31 runs in his 2 overs.

DAVID WIESE FIREWORKS IN VAIN

In reply, Namibia never got going as the asking rate of 12.7 only shot up as the innings progressed.

In fact, Namibia retired out opener Nikolaas Davin, who was struggling for momentum with a 16-ball 18.

Michael van Lingen also played at close to a run-a-ball while David Wiese, who walked in at No. 3, threw his bat around and added some impetus, but it was not enough for Namibia.

England ended their group stage with commanding wins over Oman and Namibia, but they lost to arch-rivals Australia in a high-scoring contest.