T20 World Cup: New Zealand beat England to make 1st final

NEW ZEALAND made their first-ever final of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (10) when they defeated former champions England by five wickets in an absorbing semi-final match at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. They will meet the winners of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Australia at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Thursday (11).

For the Black Caps, opener Daryl Mitchell’s 72 not out in only 47 balls played a crucial role after Kane Williamson’s side faced early problems while chasing a competitive target of 167 in 20 overs. Martin Guptill (4 off 3) and Williamson (5 off 11) returned early, leaving their side at 13 for 2 in the third over. Mitchell then added 82 runs with Devon Conway (46 off 38) for the third wicket and 40 runs with James Neesham (27 off 11) for the fifth wicket to power his country to the final. This was New Zealand’s third semi-final at the T20 World Cup but they succeeded in breaching the barrier in their third attempt.

For England, pacer Chris Woakes and spinner Liam Livingstone took two wickets each while spinner Adil Rashid got one.

Earlier, Eoin Morgan’s side posted 166 for 4, thanks to brisk scoring towards the end, after Williamson won the toss and asked England to bat. Moeen Ali top scored for his side with 51 not out off 37 while Dawid Malan made 41 off 30. Opener wicket-keeper-batter Jos Buttler made 29 off 26. For the Kiwis, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi and Neesham claimed a wicket each.

Mitchell was adjudged the player of the match.

New Zealand made the finals of the 50-over World Cup in England in 2019 and the final of the World Test Championship, also played in England, earlier this year. They lost the 50-over title to England but won the Test crown beating India.