And he was there at the end, sharing in an unbeaten partnership of 73 with Michael Bevan (74no) as Australia won with two balls to spare.

Australia set a record of 12 consecutive one-day international wins in the process and extended their four-year victory stretch against England.

Nasser Hussain's team now have to rely on Pakistan defeating Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Tuesday to progress. However, the Pakistanis can qualify for the Super Six stage should they better England's net run rate.

England collapsed from 66 for one to 87 for five until Alec Stewart (46) and Andy Flintoff (45) put on 90 to rescue their innings. But Nasser Hussain's men managed just 33 from the final 10 overs as Bichel's second spell checked any potential late momentum.

Andrew Caddick struck four early blows to leave Australia on 48 fo four. Darren Lehmann and Bevan rebuilt their innings, forging a 73-run stand spanning 22 overs.

Bichel all-but clinched victory in the penultimate over which began with 14 needed. He hoisted James Anderson for a huge six over mid-wicket and then drove another boundary to long-on the following ball.

Then, with two needed from three Andrew Flintoff deliveries Michael Vaughan misfielded at mid-on and Bevan (74 not out) finished the match from a full toss. Bichel, meanwhile, finished unbeaten on 34.