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The T20 World Cup 2024 has unfolded with unexpected outcomes, where teams like USA, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have advanced to the Super Eight stage, overturning predictions that favored previous winners such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile defending champions, England faced a tumultuous path to the next stage after encountering setbacks.
England’s rollercoaster ride: From crisis to survival
England’s journey in the ongoing T20 World Cup has been marred by drama and uncertainty. Following a washout against Scotland and a significant loss to Australia by 36 runs, their prospects for advancing to the Super Eights were bleak. The team found themselves in a precarious position, needing victories against Oman and Namibia, coupled with Australia defeating Scotland, to keep their hopes alive.
However, Josh Hazlewood‘s intriguing statement before the crucial Australia vs Scotland match stirred controversy and speculation. His hint about Australia potentially affecting England’s fate in the tournament sparked debates about fair play and sportsmanship in international cricket.
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Australia’s nail-biting victory and England’s qualification
In the crucial match between Australia and Scotland, the Mitchell Marsh-led Australian side faced considerable pressure. Their performance was marred by dropped catches and a subpar batting display.
Despite these challenges, they managed to clinch a crucial victory over Scotland. This win not only secured their own position but also unexpectedly helped England qualify for the next stage of the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Australia ended the group stage by winning all their four games to finish Group B with eight points.
Glenn Maxwell’s startling revelation
Now, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell made a surprising revelation during an interview on ESPNcricinfo ‘s ” Around the Wicket” podcast regarding the England team’s activities during the Australia vs Scotland match.
Maxwell claimed to have overheard discussions from the England team hotel, where players were reportedly making arrangements such as booking flights and canceling plans. Maxwell further disclosed that he received messages from England cricket players ahead of their crucial match against Scotland.
“There was almost this interesting part where they dropped Tim David’s catch when there was 3 required off 3. When it gets down to the last 2-3 balls, who knows what’s going to happen? Luckily enough, we got over the line and luckily enough, they got through. But I heard it was absolutely chaos. They were in the hotel and there was a fair bit of panic. Guys booking flights and canceling etc. Would have been fun being a fly on the wall watching that,” Maxwell said.
“Yeah, just a couple of texts here and there (from England players). It was actually quite funny. There was a lot of chat out in the ground like ‘Are we doing this? Are we seriously going to let England back in?’ It was a pretty interesting game,” Maxwell concluded.
