NEW DELHI:
Harry Brook
's swift and undefeated 47 propelled
England
to a 41-run triumph over
Namibia
in a rain-affected, reduced-overs encounter in Antigua on Saturday.
This result placed the defending champions on the verge of advancing to the
T20 World Cup
knockout stage, despite previously facing the risk of elimination.
After a three-hour delay due to inclement weather, conditions improved, and a target of 11 overs per side was established.
However, another rain interruption further reduced the match to 10 overs each. Namibia won the toss and elected to field first.
According to Reuters, England, in need of a victory to maintain their chances of progressing to the
Super 8s
, amassed a total of 122 for five. Namibia's target was then adjusted to 126 runs using the
Duckworth-Lewis-Stern
(DLS) method.
The match seemed competitive when Namibia reached 34-0 off five overs, the minimum number required. However, the required run rate proved too challenging, even after Nikolaas Davin (18 off 16 balls) was retired out to allow
David Wiese
(27 off 12) to enter the fray.
Namibia concluded their innings at 84-3.
"It's a big relief. It's certainly a stressful day when the rain was coming down, but I thought we put in a really good performance. Everyone managed that situation well, we were well prepared when we did play," Buttler said.
"I thought that was a really good score on that wicket."
The win elevated England above
Scotland
on net run-rate, with both teams now on five points. Scotland are set to face Group B leaders
Australia
on Sunday in St Lucia.
A draw or victory for the Scots would see them advance at England's expense.