England insist they don’t deserve Twenty20 World Cup favouritism, despite their flogging of Australia capping off a week of big wins.
Eoin Morgan’s men are all but assured to progress out of Group 1, two points clear of Australia and South Africa with two matches to play.
Saturday night’s effort to chase down 125 with 50 balls to spare was a significant statement and marked Australia’s biggest loss in Twenty20 history in terms of balls remaining.
But it wasn’t even England’s biggest win of the tournament, after rolling West Indies for 55 last week and hauling it in inside 8.2 overs.
Chris Woakes (2-23) and Chris Jordan (3-17) were both brilliant with the ball, while England’s depth of options was highlighted by the fact Moeen Ali wasn’t even used.
But Morgan insists bigger challenges lay ahead for his side.
Notably, they are yet to bat first in the tournament, with chasing teams having now won 13 of 14 games in the group stage.
Pakistan are also undefeated in the other group, while India have played just one game but were labelled favourites by Morgan before a ball was bowled in the UAE.
“I still think that’s the case,” Morgan said.
“Obviously chasing in all three games has its advantages. The way that the bowlers have bowled has been outstanding.
“The favourites in the tournament have only played one game.
“You can’t just judge one team on one particular game. So they probably have a lot more to show as conditions probably get tough.”
What could well play into England’s hands is if scores get higher in the finals as Morgan expects.
England are scoring at 9.01 runs per over, while Afghanistan are the only other team motoring along at above eight.
Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 71 from 32 balls on Saturday night was a brutal attack on Australia’s bowlers that included five sixes and as many fours.
Meanwhile, both he and Jonny Bairstow are both going at a strike rate of above 150 for the tournament.
“He (Buttler) is one of the best players in the world,” Morgan said.
“But yet he’s still trying to improve his game and get better against every single bowler that he faces.
“It’s not just targeting bowlers that might suit him. It’s every bowler.”
© AAP
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