NEW DELHI: England's dream of defending their World Cup title came crashing down after a heart-wrenching sixth defeat in seven games against arch-rivals Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Despite the disappointing exit from the World Cup, England can still focus on their hopes of securing a spot in the coveted ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The defeat against Australia left England languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table, an unfamiliar and bitter position for the defending champions. Their early exit follows Bangladesh's departure, who currently occupy the ninth spot in the standings after seven rounds of fiercely contested matches.
For England, there is still a glimmer of hope and an incentive to strive for redemption. The top eight teams in the tournament will qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy, offering England an opportunity to salvage their pride and embark on a new quest.
1/7:India & South Africa are in semis
<p>With India and South Africa having already qualified for the World Cup semifinals. And following Pakistan and Australia winning their respective matches in the World Cup on Saturday, here is how the qualification scenario looks like for the other teams in the competition. (AFP Photo)<br /></p>
2/7:Australia are almost there (10 points)
<p>With two more ties to go for the Kangaroos, currently placed third, they need to win one more fixture to ensure a spot in the semis. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are their upcoming opponents. If they lose both their games, they will have to depend on favourable results in other matches. (AFP Photo)<br /></p>
3/7:Tough times for New Zealand (8 points)
<p>The BlackCaps, currently fourth, don't have much of a choice now and need to prevail in their only remaining match against Sri Lanka. However, a victory in that encounter would not guarantee them their place in the semis, as they will also have to expect Pakistan and Afghanistan to lose their remaining games. If New Zealand lose, they will have to rely on Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to lose their remaining contests, and that too by huge margins. (ANI Photo)<br /></p>
4/7:Pakistan keep themselves alive (8 points)
<p>The Men in Green are currently placed fifth and in a similar situation as New Zealand. While they will also have to win their remaining contest against England, they will also have to ensure that they win by a big margin to better their net run rate (0.036) compared to the Kiwis (0.398). If they lose to the Three Lions, they would hope that NZ, Afghanistan, Lanka and the Netherlands also lose by big margins. (TOI Photo)<br /></p>
5/7:Dream run continues for Afghanistan (8 points)
<p>The Afghans are currently placed sixth and have a simple task ahead -- win their remaining matches against Australia and South Africa and secure their place in the semis. But, it will indeed be a daunting task for them, especially against Australia, who are desperate for a semis berth. If Afghanistan lose one or both the fixtures, their only hope would be for New Zealand and Pakistan to lose their respective remaining match by big margins. (ANI Photo)<br /></p>
6/7:Outside chance for Sri Lanka (4 points)
<p>The Lions, currently placed seventh, play Bangladesh and New Zealand next. Besides winning the two contests by significant margins, they must pray for the above-mentioned teams to lose their remaining games and that too by considerable margins to have an outside chance of making it to the semis. A loss in any one of the two ties would result in their elimination. (AP Photo)<br /></p>
7/7:Netherlands hoping for a fairytale ending (4 points)
<p>The Dutch are currently placed eighth and are exactly in the same situation as the Lankans. They would be hoping to win their remaining encounters against England and India by massive margins, which looks like an improbable task. However, it will also boil down to New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka losing their contests by big margins to bolster their run-rate. One more defeat would spell the end of their race. (IANS Photo)<br /></p>In their remaining fixtures at the World Cup, England are set to face the Netherlands and Pakistan. To bolster their chances of finishing as high as seventh place, they must emerge victorious in both of these crucial encounters, amassing six pivotal points.
However, their path to Champions Trophy qualification is a complex one, intricately linked to other matches. England would need Sri Lanka and India to emerge triumphant in their respective contests against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. The equation may seem intricate, but it sustains England's hopes of participating in the prestigious Champions Trophy.
1/8:Defending champions England sent packing from World Cup by Australia
AFP
2/8:Australia end England's title defence
England's stuttering title defence at the 50-overs World Cup eventually crumbled on Saturday as Australia emerged victorious, inflicting their sixth defeat in seven matches.AFP
3/8:England's patchy display with bat and ball
England's performance with both the bat and ball was patchy, failing to recover from their loss to Afghanistan. They struggled to drive home the advantage after removing Australia's openers and let them rebuild their innings.AFP
4/8:England's chase falters
England's chase got off to a disastrous start with Jonny Bairstow falling for a first-ball duck. Despite half-centuries from Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes, England never looked in charge as Adam Zampa's stellar bowling performance led to their eventual dismissal.AP
5/8:Buttler's poor form hurts England
Jos Buttler's poor form with the bat has been a major concern for England, who lacked partnerships throughout the tournament. Despite brief fightbacks from Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes, England's title defence was effectively over.Reuters
6/8:Zampa's stellar performance
Adam Zampa's exceptional bowling performance, which included the prized wickets of Buttler, Stokes, and Moeen, earned him the player of the match award.AFP
7/8:England's dismal campaign
England's star-studded team has had a dismal campaign, leading to debates about the decision to bring back Ben Stokes and the axing of Jason Roy. Speculation about the future of coach Matthew Mott is also rife.AP
8/8:England's disappointment
England's disappointment is palpable as they now fight for a top-eight finish in order to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.ReutersEngland's World Cup campaign may have concluded prematurely, but their journey to secure a place in the Champions Trophy continues. With two consecutive victories, England can still stake their claim for the tournament, reigniting their hopes and aspirations. The pursuit of a Champions Trophy berth now takes centre stage for the English cricket team, as they look to turn the page and aim for glory once more.
