Australia surpass England to become ICC top-ranked T20I team

Australia lost their three-match T20I series 1-2 to England, but managed to get back their no.1 position in the latest ICC rankings for teams in the format. The arch-rivals have been playing cat and mouse regarding, grabbing the top spot. After the second T20I at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, the Brits got to the helm after their six-wicket win helped them take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Jos Buttler’s 77 off 54 balls was instrumental in the team’s victory. However, despite losing the series, Aaron Finch’s men had a lot to play for as the top-ranking was still up for grabs in the final T20I at the same venue. The Aussies won the game by five wickets to avoid a whitewash. Not only did they salvage some pride, but also toppled the Three Lions to the top of the table.

Australia back to the top

With 275 rating points in their kitty, the Kangaroos are four points ahead of their opponent.  After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Aussies restricted England for an under-par 145 for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. Jonny Bairstow chipped in with a useful 44-ball 55 even as Dawid Malan, stand-in captain Moeen Ali and Joe Denly scored in the 20s.

Adam Zampa didn’t have great outings in the first two matches, but on Tuesday, September 8, the youngster was Australia’s most successful bowler. The leg-spinner picked up the crucial wickets of Malan and Sam Billings in the middle overs. The other bowlers- Mitchell Starc, Jos Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar- notched a wicket each.

During the run-chase, Matthew Wade and captain Finch took Australia off to a flying start. They put on 31 off 18 balls before Mark Wood got rid of Wade. However, Finch carried on and scored 39 off 26 with four fours and a six. Marcus Stoinis added some momentum with 26 off 18 balls.

Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith couldn’t contribute much, perishing in single digits to Adil Rashid. Mitchell Marsh held his nerve, scored 39 off 36 balls and guided Australia past the finishing line with three balls to spare. Ashton Agar also turned up with a handy 13-ball 16 to support Marsh.

Here’s the T20I rankings: –  

View this post on Instagram

🥇 Australia are back on 🔝 🎆

A post shared by ICC (@icc) on Sep 8, 2020 at 3:30pm PDT