New Zealand defeat England to advance to T20 World Cup final

ABU DHABI: New Zealand beat England by five wickets on Wednesday to reach the T20 World Cup final.

The Black Caps chased down a 167-run target by losing five wickets in the 19th over the T20 World Cup semi-final played at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

New Zealand opener Daryl Mitchell carried his bat in a stunning knock, producing a brilliant late display of power-hitting. Mitchell smashed an unbeaten 72 runs.

Chasing the target, New Zealand were in trouble at 13-2 and 107-4 when Jimmy Neesham hit an 11-ball 27 and Mitchell finished it off with a boundary.

From England’s bowling side, Chris Woakes pick early two wickets in the Powerplay. Liam Livingstone also took two wickets by giving away just 22 runs in 4 overs.

Daryl Michell won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant match-winning knock. New Zealand will face either Australia or Pakistan in T20 World Cup final.

Pakistan will face Australia in the second semi-final on Thursday.

First innings

Batting first, England have set a 167-run target for New Zealand in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

England, electing to bat, finished at 166 at the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs thanks to a half-century by batter Moeen Ali.

The all-rounder played an unbeaten knock of 51 from 37 deliveries with three fours and two sixes to his name.

He put on a 63-run partnership with David Malan, who made 30-ball 41.

Dawid Malan hit four boundaries and a six to his name.

As far as New Zealand’s bowling was concerned, Tim Southee along with Adam Milne, Ish Sodh and James Neesham took a wicket each.

SQUADS

England Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (capt), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

New Zealand Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (capt), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.