OTD | England advanced to 2019 ODI World Cup final with victory over arch-rivals Australia

England produced one of their most brilliant performances in ODI history to defeat defending champions Australia by eight wickets in the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup on this day, July 11, 2019, at Edgbaston,. The result not only ended Australia’s unbeaten run in World Cup semi-finals but also pushed England into their first final since 1992, and eventually guided the way for their maiden World Cup win.

Batting first after winning the toss, Australia lost both openers early – Aaron Finch for a golden duck and David Warner for nine inside the first three overs, courtesy of the new-ball pair of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer. Peter Handscomb, playing his first match of the tournament, also walked back after adding just four runs.

Steve Smith (85) and Alex Carey (46) stitched an important century stand. But Adil Rashid’s spell (3/54), which included the dismissals of Carey, Marcus Stoinis, and Pat Cummins, broke Australia’s lower middle-order. Smith’s run-out by Jos Buttler ended the innings at 223, with Woakes finishing with 3 for 20.

In reply, England’s Jason Roy smashed 85 off just 65 balls. He and Jonny Bairstow (34) put on 124 for the opening wicket, putting the home team in a good position. Even after Bairstow fell lbw to Mitchell Starc and Roy was wrongly adjudged caught behind, the duo of Joe Root (49*) and captain Eoin Morgan (45*) ensured they reached the target in just 32.1 overs with 107 balls to spare. 

This win took the Three Lions to a historic final at Lord’s against New Zealand, where England went on to lift their first-ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. In the summit clash that ended in a tie even after the Super Over, England were declared winners based on the controversial boundary count rule, beating New Zealand in one of the most thrilling finishes the sport has ever seen.

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