England stomped to victory over New Zealand by 119 runs today to assure themselves of a semi final spot, where they will most likely meet India in a mouth watering contest.
Winning toss & electing to bat, the openers Jason Roy & Jonny Bairstow, blasted to another century partnership, getting 123 runs for the 1st wicket, before flamboyant Roy got out for a run a ball 60. England were cruising at 194 for 1 in 30 overs, raising the possibility of a 370 + score, when a mini collapse of sorts saw, Joe Root edging behind for 24 runs, then Bairstow getting out after scoring 106, his 2nd successive ton & the dangerous Butler & Stokes holing out for 11 runs apiece, as the free flow scoring stuttered against a disciplined Kiwi bowling. When Morgan too exited after an enterprising 42 runs, England score card read 272 for 7 in the 47th over & runs were reduced to a trickle. Tailend cameos by Plunkett & Rashid however took the score past 300 mark as England ended their innings at 305 for 8 - at that stage, it looked an even battle ahead.
Kiwis however made a torrid start losing Nicholls in the first over to a controversial LBW decision, which should've been reviewed, & Guptill in the 6th over with score reading 14 for 2. Capt Williamson & Ross Taylor started the repair work as usual, but two freak run outs had both of them back in the pavilion & the contest snuffed out. Latham waged a lone battle with a fighting 57 runs, but the team folded for just 186 runs in 45 overs, giving England a handsome victory & an assured semis berth to savour.
New Zealand too should make it to the semis, though technically they still have to await the results of the match between Pakistan & Bangladesh. If Pakistan can defeat Bangladesh by an impossible margin of 316 runs, they will pip the Kiwis for a semis berth on NRR - something that is highly improbable. In fact, Bangladesh may well send Pakistan packing, at least on current form. For now, is seems that Australia will play New Zealand in the 1st semis, while India will take on a resurgent England in the 2nd semis, as we head towards the business end of the tournament.
New Zealand, will have a lot to introspect - their batting is heavily reliant on Capt Williamsom & Ross Taylor & the bowling on Boult & Ferguson, who's battling a niggle. On paper, they are a good side, but three losses on the trot will shave their belief.
England on the other hand will be smacking confident having won two hard back to back matches, including the one against India. Their batting looks resolute & deep, with Jason Ray & Jonny Bairstow opening with swagger & Jow Root, Morgan, Butler & Stokes providing fireworks in the middle, as even the tailenders are capable batters. Their bowling looks sharp & incisive with Archer, Wood, Plunkett & Woakes manning pace, with Rashid, Moeen Ali & Stokes providing enough support & cover - the fielding has also looked sharp & mean. The team does breathe in a lot of confidence & they also get adequate rest to work on the injury issues.
Winning toss & electing to bat, the openers Jason Roy & Jonny Bairstow, blasted to another century partnership, getting 123 runs for the 1st wicket, before flamboyant Roy got out for a run a ball 60. England were cruising at 194 for 1 in 30 overs, raising the possibility of a 370 + score, when a mini collapse of sorts saw, Joe Root edging behind for 24 runs, then Bairstow getting out after scoring 106, his 2nd successive ton & the dangerous Butler & Stokes holing out for 11 runs apiece, as the free flow scoring stuttered against a disciplined Kiwi bowling. When Morgan too exited after an enterprising 42 runs, England score card read 272 for 7 in the 47th over & runs were reduced to a trickle. Tailend cameos by Plunkett & Rashid however took the score past 300 mark as England ended their innings at 305 for 8 - at that stage, it looked an even battle ahead.
Kiwis however made a torrid start losing Nicholls in the first over to a controversial LBW decision, which should've been reviewed, & Guptill in the 6th over with score reading 14 for 2. Capt Williamson & Ross Taylor started the repair work as usual, but two freak run outs had both of them back in the pavilion & the contest snuffed out. Latham waged a lone battle with a fighting 57 runs, but the team folded for just 186 runs in 45 overs, giving England a handsome victory & an assured semis berth to savour.
New Zealand too should make it to the semis, though technically they still have to await the results of the match between Pakistan & Bangladesh. If Pakistan can defeat Bangladesh by an impossible margin of 316 runs, they will pip the Kiwis for a semis berth on NRR - something that is highly improbable. In fact, Bangladesh may well send Pakistan packing, at least on current form. For now, is seems that Australia will play New Zealand in the 1st semis, while India will take on a resurgent England in the 2nd semis, as we head towards the business end of the tournament.
New Zealand, will have a lot to introspect - their batting is heavily reliant on Capt Williamsom & Ross Taylor & the bowling on Boult & Ferguson, who's battling a niggle. On paper, they are a good side, but three losses on the trot will shave their belief.
England on the other hand will be smacking confident having won two hard back to back matches, including the one against India. Their batting looks resolute & deep, with Jason Ray & Jonny Bairstow opening with swagger & Jow Root, Morgan, Butler & Stokes providing fireworks in the middle, as even the tailenders are capable batters. Their bowling looks sharp & incisive with Archer, Wood, Plunkett & Woakes manning pace, with Rashid, Moeen Ali & Stokes providing enough support & cover - the fielding has also looked sharp & mean. The team does breathe in a lot of confidence & they also get adequate rest to work on the injury issues.
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