New Zealand’s dream run in the World T-20 came to an end last night as the Kiwis crashed out of the competition losing a one-sided semi-final to England here in Delhi.
Former great Kumar Sangakkara had spoken highly of his Surrey team-mate Jason Roy and the 25-year-old showed why he is so highly rated with anunblemished knock of 78 off 44 deliveries with 11 fours and two sixes. It was his first half-century in T-20s and England chased down the target of 154 with almost three overs to spare. Roy was named Man of the Match.
Former great Kumar Sangakkara had spoken highly of his Surrey team-mate Jason Roy and the 25-year-old showed why he is so highly rated with anunblemished knock of 78 off 44 deliveries with 11 fours and two sixes. It was his first half-century in T-20s and England chased down the target of 154 with almost three overs to spare. Roy was named Man of the Match.
During the World Cup last year, English cricket looked in total shambles as they failed to reach the quarter-finals. But under Trevor Bayliss, the Englishmen have raised their standards and came up with an outstanding performance last night.
New Zealand got off to a flying start reaching 90 runs half way through their innings and at that stage a total close to 200 looked to be on the cards. Kane Williamson and Colin Munro added 74 runs for the second wicket and a good finish would have put New Zealand over the line. But England’s seamers pulled things back and they were backed up by some outstanding fielding.
Ben Stokes was called up to bowl in the death overs and his last spell produced three wickets for just eight runs and England were right back in the hunt.
England’s openers Roy and Alex Hales added 82 runs for the first wicket off just 50 deliveries and the introduction of spin appeared to have evened things out as Sodhi picked up Roy and captain Eoin Morgan off successive deliveries.
The game was still in the balance with 23 needed off last four overs. But England knocked off 22 runs off 17th over bowled by Sodhi and Buttler slammed the first ball of the next over for six to help them win with 17 deliveries to spare.
Buttler and Joe Root were involved in an unfinished 49 run stand off 29 deliveries for the fourth took.
This is England’s second final in World T-20. They won the event when they reached the final in 2010 in the Caribbean.
The grand final will take place in Calcutta on Sunday. Either India or West Indies will play the final with England at Eden Gardens. The second semi-final takes place today in Bombay.
