The hosts needed to win their final group match in Adelaide to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive and emerged victorious with a narrow four-run success
England will reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup if they beat Sri Lanka following Australia’s nervy win over Sri Lanka.
The hosts had to win in Adelaide to stand any chance of qualifying for the last four and reached 168-8 with Glenn Maxwell in particular impressing, scoring 54 from 32 balls.
Afghanistan had threatened that score but three wickets in four balls swung the match in Australia’s favour. There was a nervy finale though before the hosts prevailed, eventually winning by four runs.
They are back up to second and in the running to join New Zealand in the semi-finals after their win over Ireland but England will be hopeful of progressing ahead of their clash on Saturday.