England has managed to remain unbeaten at the Swalec stadium in Cardiff due to Jos Buttler’s dazzling 65 from 48 balls.
Supported by bright sunlight, today’s match was crucial for both teams. The visitors needed to win to take home the trophy, while home team needed a victory to stay afloat.
After Clint McKay’s hat-trick the match was poised interestingly but Morgan and Carberry played some breezy shots in their century-run partnership.
However, after the stand was broken by Shane Watson, England batsmen had to work hard to chase down 228.
Clinical performance by home bowlers had limited the visitors to a competitive score. At one time, it looked like the visitors were on target to win. But when seventh-wicket pair joined hand, the match started to favor the home side.
Buttler then eased the chase target further by hitting James Faulkner to bring up his half-century
In the end, positive batting from Buttler with the support of Stokes ensured England won this match by three wickets.
Earlier Australia top order was not at its best. However, George Bailey knock ensured that home team had to chase a competitive score. England bowlers scalped Bailey early. If he had remained until end, the target for England would probably have been more challenging.
Earlier Australia looked set for a higher total until a sudden collapse in the end. The last five batsmen were back to the crease after adding a meager 18 runs to the scoreboard. England bowler Tredwell grabbed three late wickets jolting Australian chances of big total.
Both teams have lot to introspect before the final match. Visitors need to improve their bowling in dearth over’s as well as work on converting difficult catches to pressurize opposition. Mitch Johnson was on receiving end today and Butler served a perfect Saturday delight for home fans.
The home team also would need to look into their playing eleven. The lack of fifth bowler allowed the visitors to built on their score despite early loses.
The win in today’s chase, authored by man of match Butler has reaffirmed this man’s batting power. Whether this knock helps him to cement his place in the national team needs to be seen but dressing room think tanks lead by Coach Ashley Giles will surely be delighted.
The NatWest Series is poised to witness potentially a great deciding match. Hopefully the rain gods do not interfere in this grand final.