Finch, Behrendorff-Starc Duo Put Australia In Semifinals

After the skipper’s century propels the side to 285, the left-armers shoot out England for 221

- Shayan Acharya

England’s hopes of making it to the World Cup semifinals received a jolt as it suffered a 64-run loss to Australia at Lord’s on Tuesday.

Left-arm seamer Jason Behrendorffclaimed five for 44 and Mitchell Starc four for 43 as the host lost the plot while chasing Australia’s 285 for seven and was bundled out for 221.

Put in to bat, Aaron Finch’s captain’s knock of 100 off116 deliveries — his second century of the tournament — to guide Australia to a competitive total.

In reply, England was reeling at 53 for four at one stage after its top-order failed to fire.

Though Ben Stokes (89) and Jos Buttler (25) forged a 71-run stand for the fifth wicket, the equation changed once Marcus Stoinis sent back the latter.

Stokes then built a 53-run alliance with Chris Woakes (26) before being castled by Mitchell Starc. After his exit, England’s hopes died.