The host’s versus the Kiwi’s was another important match to watch in the ongoing ICC World Cup. England looking to seal the semi-finals berth and New Zealand already in the 3rd spot trying to make it more evident. However, this match’s result would affect another Asian country, Pakistan’s fate for the semi-finals, so if England lose the match, Pakistan are one win away, but if England wins, they would have to defeat Bangladesh in their last match with huge margin. Nevertheless, England’s royal win by 119 runs put them into the semi’s, while New Zealand and Pakistan hustle for the 4th place, with Pakistan’s chances looking pretty bleak.
It was evident that the England batting line-up has improved tenfold since their last defeat, and the opening partnership of Jason Roy (60 out; 61b; 8X4) and Jonny Bairstow (106 out; 99b; 15X4, 1X6) proved to be yet again lethal with a 123 runs partnership. But after Roy’s dismissal, though Bairstow continued to contribute a ton, but New Zealand were giving a good fightback. Trent Boult ceased both Jos Buttler and Joe Root in 32nd and 35th over, but captain Eoin Morgan (42 out; 40b; 5X4) gave a cameo in the middle to take England past the 250 mark. After his dismissal the rest failed to make an impact but by then they were at 305 with the loss of 8 wickets.
England’s desperation to sail into the semis were clear enough, not only in the way they bowled the second innings but also through their sensational fielding. Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer scalped the two openers early in the game putting pressure on the Kiwi’s. Though captain Kane Williamson (27 out; 40b; 3X4) along with Ross Taylor (28 out; 42b; 2X4) were tackling the situation but were also consuming too many deliveries eventually losing their wickets. Tom Latham (57 out; 65b; 5X4) though tried to fight back, but after his half-century he too succumbed to Liam Plunkett. The rest of the team failed to create an impact and only chased down 186 by losing all of their wickets while England sailed into their semi-finals berth at ease.
