World Cup 2019 | Aussies beat hosts by 64 runs to enter semis, England trapped in two must-win matches

Australia became first team to enter semi-finals of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup after it defeated England by 64 runs at Lord's Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

hosts need to win ir remaining two matches against India and New Zealand to enter kck-out st. If England man to win one match from ir two fixtures, fortunes of team will depend on or results in tournament.

Chasing target of 286, England lost its opener James Vince (0) on second ball of innings as his stumps were castled by Jason Behrendorff.  in-form batsman Joe Root was also sent back to pavilion in fourth over by Mitchell Starc.  left-arm pacer had batsman plumb in front and Root (8) was adjudged leg-before-wicket.

Starc bowled a lethal short-delivery to England skipper Eoin Morgan (4), left-hander played a hook shot but he mistimed it, handing a simple catch to Pat Cummins at fine leg, reducing England to 26/3 in sixth over. Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes steadied England's innings for a bit.

Bairstow and Stokes put up a 27-run stand, but Bairstow was dismissed by Behrendorff in 14th over as he looked to play a pull shot but was beaten by extra bounce from Behrendorff and Cummins took a simple catch. Jos Buttler joined Stokes in middle and duo played ir natural game bringing England back into match.

Stokes and Buttler stitched toger a partnership of 71 runs which saw left-handed Stokes bringing up his half-century. Marcus Stoinis provided big breakthrough to Australia as he had Buttler (25) caught at boundary fence in 28th over.

Chris Woakes and Stokes put toger a 53-run partnership but as soon as England started to get some momentum going, Australia got crucial breakthrough of Stokes (89) in 37th over. This proved as a crucial wicket as tailenders were t able to stay on crease for a long period of time, handing Australia a win by 64 runs. Behrendorff was leading wicket-taker for Australia as he scalped five wickets.

Earlier, skipper Aaron Finch powered Australia to post 285 for loss of seven wickets in ir allotted 50 overs after sent in to bat first.

Australia got off to a brilliant start as Down Under side crossed 100-run mark inside 18 overs. Moeen Ali got much-needed breakthrough and destructive wicket of David Warner (53), breaking 123-run partnership for opening wicket.

Usman Khawaja joined his skipper Finch but as duo inched closer to 200-run mark, Ben Stokes bowled Khawaja (23). Finch continued and completed his century. However, soon after Jofra Archer dismissed Finch for 100. Australia skipper's innings off 116 balls saw 11 boundaries and two sixes.

With century, Finch became  first player to make it to Limited-Overs Hours Boards at Home of Cricket since ODI achievements were added to dressing rooms earlier this year.

Glenn Maxwell (12) and Marcus Stoinis (8) could t contribute to scoreboard as y were sent back to pavilion in quick succession.

Steve Smith chipped in with 38 runs but he too could t stay longer at crease as Chris Woakes got rid of him, reducing Australia to 250/6. Towards end, Alex Carey dragged target with his 38 runs. For England, all ir bowlers did a superb job to restrict Australia.

Australia will next take on New Zealand on June 29, while England will meet India on June 30.

Brief scores: Australia 285/7 (Aaron Finch 100, David Warner 53, Chris Woakes 2-46) beat England 221/10 (Ben Stokes 89, Jonny Bairstow 27, Jason Behrendorff 5-44) by 64 runs.