World Cup 2019: Determined England qualify for the semi-finals
World Cup 2019, England vs New Zealand: Jonny Bairstow’s fabulous century and a fierce bowling display from England help them qualify for the Semi-finals
MATCH 41: ENGLAND vs NEW ZEALAND SCORECARD
England: 305-8 in 50 overs | Won by 119 runs
Jonny Bairstow: 106(99) | Jason Roy: 60(61) | James Neesham: 2-41
New Zealand: 186-10 in 45 overs
Tom Latham: 57(65) | Mark Wood: 3-34 | Jofra Archer: 1-17
Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow
MATCH SUMMARY:
World Cup 2019, England vs New Zealand: After a disappointing last few games, England have made a spirited comeback to qualify for the semi-finals without having to depend on the other matches.
In a must-win game, the England team responded brilliantly as they gave an all-round performance on the field to defeat New Zealand team by 119 runs.
Batting first, England once again had a fabulous opening start. The dynamic duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow added their third-century partnership of the series.
However, after being 194-1 after 30.1 overs at one stage, England suffered a minor heart attack as they were reduced to 214-4 at the end of 34.2 overs.
But, the batting heavy England side made sure they cross the 300 mark as they ended the innings on 305-8 at the end of 50 overs.
New Zealand, meanwhile were scratchy on the field at the start, but pulled things back brilliantly to reduce England to just 305 after being 194 at the end of 30 overs.
THE CHASE
It is no surprise that New Zealand are heavily dependant on Kane Williamson, who has single-handedly carried New Zealand’s batting with bits and pieces support from the other batsmen.
So, if Kane failed in the match, it is but obvious that New Zeland’s chances to chase 306 were almost next to impossible.
That’s exactly what happened as no other batsmen stood up in Kane’s absence to say that, yes, I would win the game for New Zealand.
Tom Latham did play a decent knock of 57(65), but it was too late as New Zealand were already 128-6 by then.
In the end, New Zealand were bundled out for 186 as they lost the match by 119 runs.
So, with this win, a well deserving England side qualify for the semi-finals, while New Zealand too almost qualify; courtesy to their positive NRR.
Meanwhile, Pakistan would have to defeat Bangladesh by more than 311 runs if they have to qualify for the semi-finals.
WHAT WENT WRONG FOR NEW ZEALAND?
- Lockie Ferguson’s absence hurt New Zealand the most.
- Another failed start by the openers, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls.
- A failure with the bat for their star batsmen, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.
CRUCIAL MOMENTS
- Joe Root’s shocking decision to take the DRS for a caught behind dismissal.
- Ben Stokes miserable knock of 11(27) ended with a mistimed shot to long on.
- Kane Williamson unfortunate runout that changed the equation of the game.
NEXT MATCH:
MATCH 42: AFGHANISTAN VS WEST INDIES
Place: Leeds
Date: July 4, 2019
Time: 3 pm IST
A clash of the disappointing souls as pride is the only they are playing for.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2019: Semi-final qualification scenarios for all the teams
Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics.
Cricket to him is like what ‘Football is to Lionel Messi’, ‘Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar’, ‘Dancing is to Michael Jackson’, and what ‘Acting is to Clint Eastwood’.
Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.
