Cardiff: England became the first team to qualify for the Champions Trophy semifinals with a thumping 87-run victory over New Zealand here Tuesday. The Kiwis will now have to beat Bangladesh in their last group A encounter and hope that England beat Australia.
Powered by a late flourish from Jos Buttler (61 n o, 48b, 2×4, 2×6) and half centuries by Joe Root (64, 65b, 5×4, 2×6) and Alex Hales (56, 62b, 3×4, 2×6), England scored 310 against New Zealand. Then paceman Liam Plunkett (4/55) bowled brilliantly as New Zealand were bundled out for 223 in 44.3 overs. Plunkett was well supported by Jake Ball (2/31) and Adil Rashid (2/47).
Only skipper Kane Williamson (87, 98b, 8×4) offered resistance. His 95-run partnership for the third wicket with Ross Taylor (39) gave New Zealand some hope. However, the moment Williamson was caught behind off a snorter from Mark Wood, the Kiwi innings fell apart.
Earlier Buttler’s knock provided the just-needed impetus to England’s innings to get past the 300-run mark. Earlier sent into bat, Root continued his good form and followed up his 133 not out against Bangladesh with another fine knock and with Hales put on 81 runs for the second wicket to set the base for.
Brief scores: England 310 (Joe Root 64, Jos Buttler 61 n o, Corey Anderson 3/56) beat New Zealand 223 (Kane Williamson 87, Liam Plunkett 4/55) by 87 runs.
AFP
