DHAKA: Demonstrating high professional acumen less fancied England men’s team moved into the final of ICC T20 World Cup crushing New Zealand to a 7-wicket defeat.
English girls narrowly lost to Aussie women by 5 runs.
While it was joy for Morgan and his mates it turned out a bitter memory for Charlotte and Sarah.
Neither England nor New Zealand was pre-tournament favorites of ICC T20 World Cup of this year. Neither was tipped to even qualify for the semi-finals. But keeping up with the trends of recent world tournaments, New Zealand looked impregnable till the knock out round. England, on the other hand after initial hiccups, played steady cricket match.
In the semi-final cool England clinically dispatched New Zealand setting a date in the final against winners of India vs West Indies match. Neo-chokers Kiwis choked again maintaining their tradition of brides mate in world cricket tournaments.
Kiwis were so good till the semi-final. From the group of death having leading teams like India, Australia, and Pakistan and even tweeting Bangladesh, Kiwis stormed into the semi-finals remaining unbeaten against fancied sides.
England was blown away in its first match against Gayle and co. But they regrouped and moved into the semi-final ahead of reigning champion Sri Lanka and perennial chokers South Africa.
In the semi-final they were not tipped as favorites. But they kept their cool and played extremely professionally to halt the surge of Kiwis. It will be a cracker of a final now whoever is opponent of England between West Indies and India.
England, the country where cricket was born, has won only one major world event, Champions of ICC World Twenty20 played in West Indies in 2010.
New Zealand made rollicking start after being put into bat by England. Munro and Williamson were in all guns blazing. Two left-handers were striking back whatever was being thrown at them. Runs were coming thick and fast.
As many as 74 runs were added in mere 50 balls in the prospering second wicket after in-form Martin Guptill was removed cheaply by Willey miscuing a drive.
Morgan and co Englishmen were not rattled. Once Williamson was induced into a false stroke by Moin Ali, Kiwis batting gradually started crumbling.
Anderson could stay with Munro for a while. But New Zealand middle order failed to capitalize the solid foundation. The target of 154 was considered at least 25 runs too less at mid match break.
Five of the nine Kiwi batsmen could not even reach double figures. Munro (46), Williamson (32) and Anderson (28) were main contributors. If one of them could stay longer the score could have been far more competitive. English bowlers bowled tight as a team. Ben Stokes with 3/26 was the most successful of them.
Roy and Hales are in supreme touch throughout the tournament and laid a solid foundation in the chase on the day. Sometimes a less competitive target chase turns tricky if not planned well. Roy and Hales looked supremely confident.
We are not sure whether not playing Boult and Southee in the entire tournament served New Zealand well. Their bowling in the semi-final at least lacked bite and depth.
Once the opening pair set the ball rolling with a solid 82 runs stand it became all too easy for the English. Roy produced a wonderful stroke filled innings of 78, Butler (32*) and Root (27*) finished with unbroken 49 runs fourth wicket stand with 17 balls to spare. England won huge and handsome by seven wickets. It was an anti-climax for tweeting Kiwis.
Not playing two of the match winning strike bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee in earlier matches could have enough justifications but not letting them play after their qualifying in the semi-final proved counterproductive.
Kiwis attack was too predictable and not enough defending. England was worthy winners.
The match between carefree West Indies and hot favorites India at Wankhede Stadium today (Thursday, March 31) is expected to be a cracker of a contest.
England will be waiting to play against the winners at cricket’s coliseum Eden Gardens for an epic final.
BDST: 1349 HRS, MAR 31, 2016
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