New Zealand somewhat avenged their agonizing loss in the 50 over World Cup final in 2019 by beating England in the semi final of the T20 World Cup in thrilling fashion.
England were put to bat after New Zealand won the toss. After a slow start England sped up the run rate but lost both openers in quick succession.
However, Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali counter attacked with Malan scoring 41 of 30 balls and Moeen smashing a 50 in 36 balls.
Malan departed with score 116 in 15.2 overs. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingston finished with a flourish as England reached a respectable total of 166/4 in 20 overs.
New Zealand struggled early on as England showed their superiority as key players Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson departed early with the score 13/2, Chris Woakes accounting for both wickets.
Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway then forged a formidable partnership hauling Kiwis back in the game. With the game finely poised Livingston turned things around for England, getting rid of Conway.
With New Zealand requiring 57 of 4 overs, the game seemed heavily in England’s favour.
Up stepped James Neesham who produced a blitzkerg cameo, smashing 23 of Chris Jordan’s over. Adil Rashid came to bowl the 18th over, first Neesham and then Mitchell hit one six each in the over, but Neesham fell of the final ball scoring 27 of 11 balls.
With 21 needed of 2 overs, Daryll Mitchell ensured the match didn’t go to the final over as he smashed Woakes all around the park and ended up not out on 72 of 47 balls.
With this win New Zealand reach their first ever T20 World Cup final and hope to add another ICC title to their World Test Championship.
(Featured image AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
