Buttler’s late assault helps Englandbookspot insemis
Wicketkeeper’s unbeaten 61 guides hosts to 87run win over Kiwis
CARDIFF:England produced an allround performance to beat New Zealand by 87 runs and storm into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Sent into bat, Jos Buttler provided a late flourish with a quickfire unbeaten 61 after Joe Root scored a fluent half-century to propel England to 310 all out.
Later, England came out with purpose and produced a fine bowling and fielding display to bundle out New Zealand for 223 in 44.3 overs.
The win meant England became the first team to qualify for the last four round from Group A with two wins from as many matches. With one point in their kitty, New Zealand will now have to win their last group match against Bangladesh and hope England beat Australia to progress into the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Chasing an imposing 311, New Zealand did not have the best of starts as they lost Luke Ronchi in the first over, bowled by Jake Ball (2/31). Martin Guptill (27) too did not have a great time at the crease as he departed in the 14th over, caught by Root off Ben Stokes.
Then came in skipper Kane Williamson (87 off 98 balls) and he showed intent. Together with Ross Taylor (39), Williamson stitched 95 runs for the third wicket to keep New Zealand alive.
Williamson showed his class and struck as many as eight boundaries to take New Zealand forward. But just when it seemed the duo were in course to take New Zealand ahead, Williamson edged one to Root behind the stumps off Mark Wood (1/32).
Williamson’s dismissal marked New Zealand’s downfall as Taylor departed soon caught by Root off Ball. Thereafter, it was an uphill task for New Zealand as the asking rate crept on creeping up and the rest of the Kiwi batsmen found it difficult to cope up with the pressure.