England knocked off their target of 154 with nearly three overs to spare to thrash New Zealand by seven wickets and reach the World T20 final.
Jason Roy battered the Black Caps attack, which had arguably been the most consistent of the tournament to date, to get England off to a flier. His 78 from 44 balls included 11 fours and two sixes, and put England well on their way to a brilliant victory.
Typically, there was a collapse. Roy and Eoin Morgan went in successive balls to increase England heartbeats. But Joe Root and Jos Buttler steadied the ship, before the latter settled things with three monstrous sixes, including this one to finish the game.
New Zealand had been flawless in the Super 10s but were well beaten by the better side today.
This must give England huge confidence that they can go to Kolkata and lift the trophy on Sunday. What a 12-month turnaround that would be!
West Indies or India await.
England’s chase was a much easier one that it could have been, were it not for some superb death bowling in the first innings.
Morgan’s men only conceded 20 runs from their final four overs. Ben Stokes took three wickets, including danger man Corey Anderson, caught by Chris Jordan in the deep just as he was cutting loose on 28.
Jordan (1-24 off 4) more than did his job with the ball as well.
COMMENTS