T20 World Cup 2022, AUS vs ENG: Ashes rivals share points as rain plays spoilsport

Jos Buttler with Aaron Finch [Source: AP]

Pressure touches sky-high, hearts beat faster and cricket emerges as the ultimate winner when two Ashes rivals, England and Australia, lock horns with each other. Cricket fans across the globe were eagerly waiting to witness one of the fiercest rivalries in the T20 World Cup at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. But unfortunately, the cruel weather Gods had other ideas, as the game was washed out due to a persistent downpour. 

Two T20 giants were set to clash in front of a packed MCG crowd, but rain played hide and seek time and again. The umpires inspected the playing conditions multiple times and finally abandoned the match, with the weather not improving. 

This game could have decided the fate of both teams in the tournament. But now, with the match being washed out, Australia and England have gained one point each, taking their tally to three points. However, England are placed second owing to their superior net run rate, while the hosts occupy the fourth position in the points table. 

It was the second consecutive game to be called off on Friday. Earlier, the crucial clash between Ireland and Afghanistan was also abandoned for the same reason. 

What's next for both teams?

Australia will face Ireland in Brisbane on Monday, while England will take on table-toppers New Zealand at the same venue on Tuesday. 

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