Jos Buttler plays England against Australia from eight wickets to take big step towards T20 World Cup semi-finals | Top stories

Jos Buttler led England to a big win over Australia to take a giant leap towards the T20 World Cup semi-finals … and perhaps deal a psychological blow ahead of this winter’s Ashes Down Under.

The Three Lions beat their former rivals by eight wickets to make it three of three wins in Dubai and set foot in the round of 16.

Both teams entered this Super 12 contest after starting their group campaigns with two wins, but England took a hat-trick largely thanks to Buttler’s supreme 71, not on just 32 balls.

The opening batter’s display followed another outstanding collective effort with the ball and on the court, with Chris Jordan hitting top form with three for 17 as an exceptionally overpowered Australia stuttered at 125 all.

Chris Woakes set the tone by catching the menacing pair of David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, meanwhile taking a superb catch to see Steve Smith, as Australia flipped to 15 for three, which seemed decisive at first .

Aaron Finch held Australia’s innings with 44 of 49 balls before ending on a high as Tymal Mills proved expensive with two for 45, but it turned out to be a mere footnote when a sticky night in Dubai.

If there is any psychological benefit to be had from that result heading into this winter’s Ashes – as some have suggested – then England snatched it away, with Buttler in formidable form with five fours and as many sixes.

Buttler – and Jonny Bairstow, with 16 unbeaten from 11 balls – took England across the finish line with 50 balls to spare, as they mimicked the result of the 2019 World Cup semi-final between teams.