England have occupied the second spot in Group 1 following their 20-run win over New Zealand at the ongoing T20 World Cup Down Under.
Given that New Zealand, England and Australia are tied at five points after four games each, the net run rate is set to be a big factor in the qualification for the semi-finals.
New Zealand currently lead the group on that stat owing to their huge margin of victory in the opening match, while England have a significant but not insurmountable advantage over Australia in the net run rate column.
However, the advantage that the Jos Buttler-led side has is the fixture schedule. England are due to play their last Super 12 game against Sri Lanka on Saturday (November 5), a day after New Zealand and Australia have completed their final group matches.
Hence, the Three Lions will go into their last game knowing exactly what they require to qualify – solely a win or victory by a certain margin.
“There is a little bit of a benefit obviously playing that last game to know exactly what is required of us,” Buttler said after England’s crucial win over New Zealand on November 1. “We've just got to wait and see exactly what happens.
“We're going to expect a really tough match against Sri Lanka, a really good team. Every game is tough in this tournament.
“But, yeah, to know exactly what we'll need to do to try and get through will obviously be a bit beneficial.”
Opting to bat first, Buttler provided his team with a terrific start as he put on 81 runs for the opening wicket with Alex Hales, who scored 52 off 42 balls.
The England captain eventually returned with 73 off 47 balls, propelling his side to a highly competitive 179/6 in 20 overs.
“We're a really dangerous team, we've got match-winners throughout,” Buttler said. “Having not quite sort of played our best, we were desperate to show that today.
“I thought we put in a very good performance. Any time you take on New Zealand, you know you're up for a really tough challenge.
“I'm really proud of the guys tonight in a must-win game to come out and play with freedom and express ourselves and show off our talent. I was really proud of the character we showed.”
England’s final game will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground – a venue that has hosted two 200+ scores of the tournament so far.
“I think it's a big relief to be heading to that last game knowing we have a chance at progressing,” Buttler said. “It would be a tough flight tomorrow if we'd lost tonight especially.
“So, yeah, we go there really excited. I think the team is in a really good place after tonight.
“Again, it showed great character in a must-win match. We'll head to Sydney full of confidence and expecting a really tough game against Sri Lanka.”
(t20worldcup.com inputs)
