World T20 World Cup: England v Netherlands (Chittagong)

England suffer shock defeat to Netherlands

Netherlands 133-5 (20 overs) beat England 88 all out (17.4 overs) by 45 runs.

England ended their ICC World T20 World Cup campaign with a hugely embarrassing 45 run defeat to the Netherlands. England had earlier in the day won the toss and elected to field first which paid off as they reduced the Dutch to 133-5 from 20 overs. However, a calamitous batting collapse from England saw them end their tournament in highly horrific style as they crumbled to 88 all out in the 18th over. Barresi starred for the Dutch, scoring 48 off 45 whilst Broad took 3-24. England were unable to go through to the semi-finals whatever the result but they were on the wrong end of a massive shock as Bopara top scored with 18 from 20 as the English batsman all failed to impose themselves. Incredulously, Bakhari took very impressive figures of 3-12 as England left Chittagong with a whimper. 

My Opinion:
Well I'm shocked, devastated and embarrassed by that result. All seemed as normal when England reduced the Dutch to a respectable total which should easily have been chased down by England's batsman. Now I know that England were already out but to just throw the towel in like that was pathetic. After all the brilliance they had shown in defeating Sri Lanka and pushing South Africa right to the end, you would have at least expected some fight some someone in the team to get England over the line. What happened was highly painful to watch as the Dutch whittled out England for a mere 88. Nobody apart from Bopara showed any sign of wanting to fight as they atrociously crumbled. I suppose they went out with a bang albeit one they would rather forget about quickly. A great shame and maybe time for the coaches and selectors to have a rethink. That can't happen despite what situation your in. England should be beating the Dutch at cricket, period. I expect India to win the tournament and Sri Lanka to face them in the final. 



England win the toss and elect to field first.

Netherlands Innings
(3.5) 34-1, Swart 13 (15), 2 fours, caught Parry, Broad.
(5) 43-1, Myburgh 17*, Barresi 5*.
(7) 52-1, Myburgh 23*, Barresi 8*.
(10) 75-1, Myburgh 38*, Barresi 21*.
(11) 84-1, 50 partnership off 44 balls between Myburgh 37* and Barresi 22*.
(11.1) 84-2, Myburgh 39 (31), 6 fours and 1 six, caught Hales, Bopara.
(15) 106-2, Barresi 35*, Cooper 6*.
(16.1) 110-3, Cooper 8 (15), caught Jordan, Broad.
(19) 131-4, Borren 7 (10), 1 four, caught Parry, Broad.
(19.2) 131-5, Barresi 48 (45), 2 fours and 2 sixes, bowled by Jordan.
(20) 133-5, Bukhari 1*(2) and Cooper 0 (2).

Batsman of the Innings: Barresi 48 (45)
Bowler of the Innings: Broad 3-24

England Innings
(3) 18-1, Lumb 6 (8), caught Cooper, Bukhari.
(4.1) 19-2, Hales 12 (17), 2 fours, bowled by Bukhari.
(5) 21-2, Moeen 0*, Morgan 2*.
(5.5) 26-3, Morgan 6 (8), 1 four, caught Borren, Van Der Gugten.
(8.1) 32-4, Moeen 3 (7), caught Cooper, Borren.
(10) 42-5, Buttler 6 (14), caught Seelaar, Van Beek.
(11.4) 52-6, Bresnan 5 (6), run out by Bukhari.
(12) 52-6, Bopara 8*, Jordan 0*.
(15) 74-6, Bopara 18*, Jordan 13*.
(15.1) 74-6, Bopara 18 (20), caught Seelar, Van Beek.
(15.5) 76-8, Jordan 14 (14), caught Swart, Van Beek.
(17.2) 86-9, Broad 4 (5), caught Barresi, Bukhari.
(17.4) 88 all out, Tredwell 8 (6), 1 four, run out by Swart. Parry 1*(1).
Netherlands win by 45 runs.

Batsman of the Innings: Bopara 18 (20)
Bowler of the Innings: Bukhari 3-12

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World T20 World Cup: England v South Africa (Chittagong)

England knocked out of the T2O World Cup

South Africa 196-5 (20 overs) beat England 193-7 (20 overs) by 3 runs.

England were knocked out of the T20 World Cup after suffering defeat to South Africa by 3 runs. To progress into the semi-finals, England were battling South Africa for that final place to go through alongside Sri Lanka. However, despite scoring 193-7, England fell 3 runs short of South Africa's 196-5. The Proteas got off to a strong start and race away to 85-0 from their first ten overs as Amla struck 50 from 30 balls. England struck back with three wickets to reduce South Africa to 120-3 but De Villiers smashed 50 off 23 balls before Miller struck 19 from 15 at the end of the innings to push their total up to 196-5. 
It was a tall order for England to chase down such a high score once again but they couldn't pull it off this time as they came three runs short. Hales was caught in the field for 38 in the eighth over and failed to reproduce the blistering form from the Sri Lanka game. Moeen followed Hales back to the pavilion after being caught from the very next ball to leave England struggling at 73-3. Morgan and Buttler both failed to impose themselves and were both dismissed fairly cheaply as England's hopes started to diminish. Despite Jordan and Bopara's efforts the game had gone for England who needed 22 runs from 5 balls. Bresnan smashed a couple of sixes from the last couple of balls but in the end it wasn't enough as England were knocked out of the tournament. 

My Opinion:
England can bow out of the tournament with their head held high.The odds always seemed to be against them throughout and they played reasonably well in each of their matches so far. They needed to beat South Africa today in order to progress but it was a very tough ask after the Proteas made 193-7. Amla got off to a flying start whilst De Villiers played magnificently for his 50. Unfortunately for England, none of their batsman really stood up and took control of the situation. Hales, Buttler and Bopara all made it to 30 but were unable to really push on and do some damage. A great shame, especially as they only fell three runs short in the end but I thought it was a respectful way to bow out of the competition after such a farcical result against New Zealand. I still don't understand how England were theoretically defeated by the Duckworth/Lewis method in such an important T20 international but that's apparently the way things are done whether it seems right or wrong. To beat Sri Lanka was a remarkable result and a great chance for Hales to show what he's capable of but in the end the fielding and bowling displays were not good enough. Disappointed England are out and by the way they have been put out but proud of the guys for giving all they had out there. 



Match Guide: Key Moments

England win the toss and elect to field.

South Africa Innings
(5) 42-0, Amla 31*, De Kock 9*.
(6) 52-0, 50 partnership off 36 balls between Amla 38* and De Kock 11*.
(9) 74-0, 50 for Amla off 30 balls.
(10) 85-0, Amla 53*, De Kock 23*.
(10.5) 91-1, Amla 56 (37), 6 fours and 2 sixes, caught Hales, Broad.
(12.2) 98-2, De Kock 29 (33), 2 fours, stumped Buttler, Tredwell.
(13) 108-2, De Villiers 13*, Duminy 1*.
(14.3) 120-3, Duminy 5 (5), run out by Bopara.
(15) 121-3, De Villiers 20*, Miller 1*.
(17.3) 151-3, De Villiers 20*, Miller 12*.
(18) 167-3, 50 for De Villiers off 23 balls.
(18.1) 174-3, 50 partnership off 22 balls between De Villiers 50* and Miller 19*.
(18.4) 174-4, Miller 19 (15), 2 fours and 1 six, caught Moeen, Jordan.
(20) 196-5, A. Morkel 3 (3), bowled by Bresnan. De Villiers 69*(28), 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Batsman of the Innings: De Villiers 69*(28)
Bowler of the Innings: Tredwell 1-25

England Innings
(4.4) 46-1, Lumb 18 (14), 1 four and 2 sixes, caught Miller, Parnell.
(5) 47-1, Hales 23*, Moeen 1*.
(6) 62-1, Hales 37*, Moeen 2*.
(7.2) 73-2, Hales 38 (22), 6 fours and 1 six, caught Miller, Parnell.
(7.3) 73-3, Moeen 10 (10), 1 four, caught De Kock, Parnell.
(10) 92-3, Morgan 9*, Buttler 8*.
(12) 105-3, Morgan 14*, Buttler 16*.
(12.1) 105-4, Morgan 14 (14), 1 four, caught De Kock, Tahir.
(14.4) 131-5, Buttler 34 (24), 2 fours and 1 six, caught Morkel, Tahir.
(15) 133-5, Bopara 7*, Jordan 1*.
(17) 152-5, Bopara 15*, Jordan 10*.
(18.3) 167-6, Jordan 16 (14), 2 fours, caught De Villiers, Hendricks.
(19.1) 175-7, Bopara 31 (18), 3 fours and 1 six, caught Miller, Steyn.
(20) 193-7, Bresnan 17*(4), 1 four and 2 sixes, Broad 1*(1).
South Africa win by 3 runs.

Batsman of the Innings: Hales 38 (22)
Bowler of the Innings: Parnell 3-31

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World T20 World Cup: England v Sri Lanka (Chittagong)

Hales century gives England hope

England 190-4 (19.2 overs) beat Sri Lanka 189-4 (20 overs) by six wickets

England's hopes of progressing from the group stage of the World T20 into the semi-finals took a huge boost as Hales guided them to a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka. Alex Hales scored an unbeaten 116 off 64 as England produced a spectacular run chase, seeing them defeat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final over of their innings. Jayawardene earlier hit 89 off 51 to take Sri Lanka's total up to 189-4 as England really struggled in the field, dropping a series of catches. With a tough task ahead of them, England got off to a nightmare start as they were reduced to 0-2 by the end of the first over as both Lumb and Moeen were sent back to the pavilion for ducks. However, an incredible 150 run partnership off 90 balls from Hales and Morgan revived England's innings and hopes of winning the game. Morgan was caught in the field for 57 in the 17th as England still needed 38 runs off 22 balls to win. Bopara managed a couple of fours whilst Hales passed his century to see England home with four balls to spare and fittingly hitting a six to win the match. A huge win for England gives them a great chance to go through into the semi-finals but they will need to beat South Africa in their next match to do so. 

My Opinion:
That was a tale of two halves or in this case, two innings. England looked utterly hopeless in the field as they dropped catch after catch. Jayawardene made them really pay after scoring 89 off 51 despite being dropped early on in his innings. Dilshan provided some stability after scoring 55 from 47 but England really made them look good and had a massive task ahead of them to win the game as they reached 189-4 after 20 overs.
Things went quickly from bad to worse as after England's first over, they were reduced to 0-2. It seemed like this was going to get ugly really quick and it was tough to watch. Amazingly, Hales and Morgan put on a 150 run partnership between them which was clearly a turning point in the match and the momentum of the game. I didn't see this one coming but Hales announced himself on the international T20 scene with that innings. Morgan got caught in the field and that was a potential slip up moment as England could quite easily have collapsed. Thankfully, Bopara came in and hit two fours off one Malinga over which felt like gold dust. Hales was in the zone and in the end comfortably smashed England home with four balls to spare. Incredible innings from Hales who deservedly will take a lot of credit for that performance. That win really gives England some renewed hope of progressing out of the group stage but there is still work to do as South Africa will pose a strong challenge next. I have renewed belief and confidence in the England team but the fielding desperately needs to improve along with the batting of Lumb and Moeen. South Africa will be tough to beat but I now believe England can do it after that magical win today. 



Match Guide: Key Moments

England win the toss and elect to field.

Sri Lanka Innings
(1.2) 4-1, K. Perera 3 (6), caught Buttler, Dernbach.
(5) 35-1, Dilshan 7*, Jayawardene 25*.
(8) 58-1, 50 partnership between Dilshan 22* and Jayawardene 32* off 40 balls.
(10) 70-1, Dilshan 32*, Jayawardene 34*.
(13) 103-1, 50 for Jayawardene off 32 balls and Dilshan 38*.
(14) 117-1, 100 partnership between Dilshan 40* and Jayawardene 73*.
(15) 130-1, Dilshan 42*, Jayawardene 82*.
(16) 143-1, 50 for Dilshan.
(16.4) 149-2, Jayawardene 89 (51), 11 fours and 3 sixes, bowled by Jordan.
(17) 152-2, Dilshan 51*, T. Perera 2*.
(17.2) 156-3, Dilshan 55 (47), 4 fours and 2 sixes, caught Jordan, Dernbach.
(18.1) 169-4, Sangakkara 0 (1), caught Hales, Jordan.
(20) 189-4, T. Perera 23*(12), 2 fours and 1 six, Mathews 11*(5), 1 six.

Batsman of the Innings: Jayawardene 89 (51)
Bowler of the Innings: Jordan 2-28

England Innings
(0.5) 0-1, Lumb 0 (5), bowled by Kulasekara.
(1) 0-2, Moeen 0 (1), caught Senanayake, Kulasekara.
(5) 31-2, Hales 21*, Morgan 9*.
(8) 52-2, 50 partnership between Hales 34* and Morgan 17* off 42 balls.
(10) 72-2, Hales 40*, Morgan 30*.
(13) 108-2, 100 partnership off 72 balls and 50 for Hales off 38 balls, Morgan 48*.
(14) 117-2, 50 for Morgan off 32 balls.
(15) 142-2, Hales 86*, Morgan 55*.
(16) 151-1, 150 partnership off 90 balls between Hales 92* and Morgan 57*.
(16.2) 152-3, Morgan 57 (38), 7 fours and 2 sixes, caught Mathews, Kulasekara.
(17) 156-4, Buttler 2 (3), caught Chandimal, Kulasekara.
(18.2) 175-4, 100 for Hales off 60 balls.
(19.2) 190-4, Hales 116*(64), 11 fours and 6 sixes, Bopara 11*(6), 2 fours.
England win by six wickets.

Batsman of the Innings: Hales 116*(64)
Bowler of the Innings: Kulasekara 4-32

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World T20 World Cup: England v New Zealand (Chittagong)

Rain torments England in World T20 opener

New Zealand 52-1 (5.2 overs) beat England 172-6 (20 overs) by 9 runs (Duckworth/Lewis)

Controversy surrounds England's opening game in the T20 World Cup against New Zealand. Thunderstorms eventually took the players off in the fifth over of the New Zealand run chase. Play never resumed which meant that New Zealand won by 9 runs using the Duckworth/Lewis method despite only 5.2 overs being bowled. Broad felt that the umpires should have taken his team off three or four balls earlier as lightning strikes in the distance were beginning to disrupt play. Despite looking unsafe to play in these conditions, the umpires let play continue until they were forced off by the driving rain. England had earlier scored a competitive 172-6 from their 20 overs and had a strong chance of defending it. However, as only five overs are needed to determine a result in T20, New Zealand profited from a fast start to win the match. Controversial stuff but England will now face Sri Lanka in their next match in desperate need of a win. 



My Opinion:
That was all very farcical and it left a bad taste in the mouth. England actually batted reasonably well and set a decent target to defend for themselves. Moeen, Lumb and Buttler kept the runs ticking whilst a late bash from both Bopara and Bresnan took England up to 172-6. My hopes of England had been restored after that and I felt they could bowl out the match to take victory. However, the weather didn't look too good in the distance and lightning strikes became ever more prevalent. I found it amazing that the umpires kept the players out there for as long as they did as it was clearly unsafe to play in those conditions. Any sign of lightning on a golf course and everyone is soon off to the clubhouse. Now the first six overs of a T20 match are powerplay overs and are easier to score more runs off. New Zealand started quickly and made it to 52-1 after 5.2 overs before coming off. In comparison, England were 51-1 after 5.2 overs, 1 run behind New Zealand. So, I really can't get my head around why you can justify using the Duckworth/Lewis method in a T20 match where it only takes one over to change the game. Hugely frustrating as I don't see why play couldn't just have resumed the next day. Very strange!! All in all it means England are cruelly defeated in the first game and will need some big performances against the likes of Sri Lanka and South Africa if they are to progress in the semi-finals. 

Match Guide: Key Moments

New Zealand win the toss and elect to bowl first.

England Innings

(0.3) 1-1, Hales 0 (2), caught Anderson, Mills.
(5) 48-1, Lumb 15*, Moeen 29*.
(5.1) 50-1, Lumb 16*, Moeen 30*.
(5.2) 51-1, 50 partnership between Lumb 16* and Moeen 30* off 29 balls.
(7.5) 73-2, Moeen 36 (23), 6 fours and 1 six, caught Mclenaghan, Anderson.
(8.4) 76-3, Lumb 33 (24), 4 fours and 1 six, caught Anderson, Mclenaghan.
(10) 84-3, Morgan 7*, Buttler 4*.
(11.3) 101-3, Morgan 12*, Buttler 13*.
(12.2) 103-4, Morgan 12 (15), 1 four, caught B. McCullum, Southee.
(15) 126-4, Buttler 32*, Bopara 4*.
(15.4) 129-5, Buttler 32 (23), 4 fours, bowled by Anderson.
(17.4) 148-6, Jordan 8 (6), 1 six, caught Southee, N. McCullum.
(18.2) 150-6, Bopara 17*, Bresnan 2*.
(20) 172-6, Bopara 24*(19), 1 six and Bresnan 17*(8), 2 fours and 1 six.

Batsman of the Innings: Moeen 36 (23)
Bowler of the Innings: Anderson 2-32

New Zealand Innings:

(3) 29-1, Guptill 11 (9), 2 fours, caught Jordan, Dernbach.
(5) 47-1, Williamson 19*, B. McCullum 16*.
(5.1) 51-1, Williamson 23*, B. McCullum 16*. Rain stops play.
(5.2) Play resumes 52-1, Williamson 24*(17), 4 fours, B. McCullum 16*(6), 1 four and 2 sixes. Rain ends play. New Zealand win by 9 runs (Duckworth/Lewis method).

Batsman of the Innings: Williamson 24*(17)
Bowler of the Innings: Dernbach 1-13

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