Bangladesh move into semis after England knock Australia out

Bangladesh have advanced to the last four of the Champions Trophy, thanks to England eliminating Australia in the last tie of Group A.

The hosts beat the Aussies by 40 runs on Duckworth-Lewis method in Birmingham on Saturday.

Having returned to the elite global tournament after 11 years, the Tigers will appear in the semifinals of an ICC tournament for the first time.

In the 2015 World Cup, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and his men played in the quarterfinals for the first time, which stood as their best achievement before this.

Although Bangladesh played in finals of the Asia Cup both in its ODI and T20 versions, outlasting Australia and New Zealand, the finalist teams of the last World Cup, in English conditions is no small feat.

Bangladesh opened their tournament with a defeat against England. They were rescued by rain in their next game against Australia, which gave them a point to stay alive in the competition.

In their must-win game against New Zealand on Friday, Bangladesh showed their mettle to grab a 5-wicket win riding on a record double century stand between centurions Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.

Advancing from Group A still hinged on an England win over Australia.

Steven Smith’s team posted 277 for 9 and made early inroads to boost their chances before a rain break.

England were tottering on 36 for 3 when play resumed. Skipper Eoin Morgan (87) and Ben Stokes (102 not out) then paired in a 159-run stand to turn the tables on the Aussies. When rain poured in again to ruin the game, England were way ahead in the rain rule.

England, who were already in the semis from wins in their first two games, topped the group with 6 points. Bangladesh came second with 3 points.

The Tigers will play in the second semifinal at Edgbaston on Thursday.