New Delhi: On match eve, Eoin Morgan had spoken about how his England team were coming together as a unit in a manner reminiscent of the 2010 ICC World Twenty20-winning squad.
And only a few hours later, his team turned in an effort that was by turns disciplined and muscular to oust New Zealand by a thumping seven wickets in the first semifinal at the Kotla here on Wednesday.
England made light of a 154-run chase, set on their way by an attacking opening partnership of 82 between Jason Roy and Alex Haley. The Kiwis’ lead bowler Mitchell Santner made the breakthrough with the wicket of Hales in the ninth over, a little too late to influence his team’s chances.
Man of the match Roy carried on in stand and deliver fashion, this time alongside England’s lead bat Joe Root. The burly opener blazed his way to a 26-ball half-century and kept his foot firmly on the pedal till he was done in for 78 (44b, 11x5, 2x6) by Ish Sodhi.
The leg-spinner them removed Morgan first ball to create a ripple among the 35,000-strong crowd as England were suddenly down to 110/3. Root (26, 22b) however, was solid as a rock in knocking off the remaining 44 runs with the busy Jos Buttler (32, 17b, 2x4, 3x6).
This is the second time England are through to the title round of this tournament, after their successful run six years ago in the Caribbean.
Earlier, the Black Caps were never allowed to get away in the push for the big total. Like determined terriers, England’s bowlers and fielders kept nipping away at the Kiwis – especially in the final five overs – that saw just 32 runs being added for the loss of five wickets.
Ben Stokes’ final two overs – the 18th and 20th of the innings – were where England really nailed their opponents. In those 12 deliveries, he gave away just eight runs and took three wickets. Adding to that was a bonus run-out off the last ball. He was clapped off the field by happy teammates.
It was all very different earlier on as New Zealand coasted to 51 for the loss of Martin Guptill’s wicket. Skipper Kane Williamson then put on a busy 74 runs for the second wicket along with top run-getter Chris Munro as the Kiwis got to 89/2 in the first 10 overs.
Once Williamson had fallen to the off-spin of Moeen Ali for a 28-ball 32, the Kiwis imploded. Munro swung his bat around to post an aggressive 46 (32b) but the more organised batsmen simply failed to get to terms with a track that gave England’s quick bowlers plenty to work with.
Variable bounce, especially from the River End added to the batting side’s worries but New Zealand really came under the cosh in the last 30 balls, which in most T20 matches is the most productive period.
Needing to push the run rate along, Munro, Corey Anderson (28, 23b), Ross Taylor and Luke Ronchi – the spine of the lineup – all trudged back to the dugout against the spirited bowling, of whom Stokes (3/28) was the standout performer.
David Willey (1/17), Chris Jordan (1/24), Liam Plunkett (1/38) and Ali (1/10) also finished amongst the wickets in a performance their captain will justifiably be proud of.
