Australia knocked out of Champions Trophy, B'desh to join England in semis

Birmingham [UK], June 10 (ANI): Skipper Eoin Morgan and all-rounder Ben Stokes came out with a brilliant batting performance before rain came in as England defeated Australia by 4o runs through DLS method to knock them out of the Champions Trophy here at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Saturday. The result means that Bangladesh will now join England in the semi-finals for the tournament. It will be for the first time that Bangladesh will play in the last four of an ICC event. England, chasing 278, were 240-4 after 40.2 overs when rain gods came in for the second time during the innings and the match was officially called off by the umpires at that stage. The hosts needed to be at 200-4 as per the DLS after 40.2 overs. The Eoin Morgan-led side had a horrific start to their chase as they were left reeling at 35-3 following the dismissals of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Joe Root and looked in a spot of bother. However, Stokes (102*) combined with Morgan (87) to pull England back from the abyss and put them on course for a win. Australian bowlers were guilty of bowling short and English duo ensured they kept the scoreboard ticking with regular fours and sixes. Stokes played with straight bat and used the pace of the ball while Morgan ran hard along with using the long handle to good effect. The pair meant business and played with a steady head. They ensured there were not many dot balls in the passage of play. They both shared a 159-run stand before the skipper was run out at the team's score of 194, but not before putting England in a comfortable position. Jos Buttler, who came next, joined Stokes and made sure the hosts didn't lose any more wickets. Stokes was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance in the entire match. Earlier, put in to bat, the Steve Smith-led side rode on the innings of opener Aaron Finch (68) and Travis Head (71*) to post 277-9 in their stipulated 50 overs. Mark Wood was pick of the England bowlers as he picked four wickets giving away just 33 runs in his 10 overs. Leg spinner Adil Rashid also picked up four wickets for 41 runs. With the win, England top their group with six points from three matches, followed to Bangladesh. They will now play the top two teams from Group B in the semis. (ANI)