ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group 1, Brisbane
England 179-6 (20 overs): Buttler 73 (47), Hales 52 (40); Ferguson 2-45
New Zealand 159-6 (20 overs): Phillips 62 (36); S Curran 2-26, Woakes 2-33
England won by 20 runs.
England beat New Zealand by 20 runs to keep their hopes alive in the Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
Knowing that defeat would end them all, England survived under intense pressure to successfully defend 179 at the Gabba.
After being reduced to 28-2, the Black Caps saw the game swing in their favor as Glenn Phillips and skipper Kane Williamson put on 91 off 59 balls.
But, with 61 needed off 31 balls, Ben Stokes provided the breakthrough by dismissing Williamson for 40 off 40 balls.
From there England turned the screw impressively – and held their nerve with a series of sublime catches.
In the 18th over, the increasingly reliable Sam Curran had Phillips, dropped by Moeen Ali for 15, caught at long-on for 62 off 36 balls to end New Zealand’s bid.
Earlier Jos Buttler, who was ruled out by TV review of a catch on eight and dropped again on 40, scored 73 off 47 balls to take his side to 179-6.
He put on 81 for the opening wicket with Alex Hales, who made 52 off 40 balls, and although England did not take full advantage, they went into the final round of matches with that advantage.
If they beat Sri Lanka on Saturday, they will qualify for the semi-finals, unless Australia beat Afghanistan a day earlier and also end England’s crucial net run rate advantage.
The fact that England’s match comes 24 hours after Australia will help their cause as they will have a clearer picture of any net run rate requirements in their final match.
