2019 World Cup semi-final: Australia set England a 224-run target
England bowled well against Australia in the second semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019 at Edgbaston on Thursday. Aussies, who lost early wickets, were helped by a gritty knock from Steve Smith (85). A cameo by Mitchell Starc also helped the cause. This saw the defending champions post a 224-run target. England will need to bat well during the chase. Here's more.
English bowlers had a dream start
Aussies were under pressure from the start. Aaron Finch was dismissed for a first ball duck. Talisman David Warner perished for nine. England pacer Chris Woakes bowled a beauty to Peter Handscomb (4) to leave Australia reeling at 14/3. The opening spell was magnificent and both Jofra Archer and Woakes were right on the money.
Smith and Carey put on a century-plus stand
Steve Smith and Alex Carey (46) were fabulous and did the repair work for the Aussies. The two batsmen got along and put up a 103-run stand for the fourth wicket. Carey batted with pain after being struck on the helmet that required a bandage. They became the third Aussie pair to notch a century-plus stand in World Cup semi-finals.
Smith continues his magic in knockout games
Spinner Rashid stuns Australia with three wickets
Adil Rashid (3/54) provided the impetus for England in the middle phase. That hurt the Aussies as they surrendered the momentum. He tempted Carey to go for a big shot and then got Marcus Stoinis (0). Archer got the dangerous Glenn Maxwell (22) next, before Rashid grabbed his third to dismiss Pat Cummins (6). From 117/3, Australia were reduced to 166/7.
Smith grinds it out, smashes these feats
Smith (85) notched his 23rd career ODI fifty. This was his fourth fifty in the ongoing World Cup. Smith also registered his eighth career World Cup fifty. He went past 800-plus career World Cup runs as well and surpassed David Boon with this feat. He added a 51-run stand with Mitchell Starc for the eighth wicket. This helped Aussies get past 200.
England bowlers deserve all the plaudits
Credit to England bowlers for coming out and delivering the goods. Jofra Archer (2/32) was prolific and he executed the plans perfectly. Woakes continued with his wicket-taking prowess. Rashid's experience came into play as well. The others rallied around. The positive approach will please skipper Eoin Morgan. England will want to bat well and be wary of a sound Aussie bowling attack.
