Openers, Curran star as England overpower New Zealand in Brisbane

England gave their semi-final qualification hopes a major boost with a statement 20-run victory over New Zealand in their Super 12 Group 1 encounter at the Gabba. Jos Buttler’s side powered to a commanding first innings total of 179 thanks to a pair of half-centuries from their openers before some excellent bowling with the new ball and at the death saw the Kiwis fall 20 runs short of their target.

Having won the toss and opted to bat, England got off to a fantastic start against the new ball. The Kiwi seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult couldn’t extract the same swing they have done throughout the tournament and were punished by Alex Hales early on. The opener scored 37 of England’s 48 runs in the powerplay and put on an 81-run stand with Jos Buttler for the first wicket before being stumped by Devon Conway on 52.

Buttler, meanwhile, scored less than a run a ball in the powerplay and was cautious against the spinners but took a liking to the pace of Lockie Ferguson. The English skipper used Ferguson’s speed to lap him over fine leg for six before smashing the pacer for three boundaries in the 13th over. Buttler was fortunate to be dropped by Daryl Mitchell on the boundary on 40, and the opener made the Blackcaps pay for that missed opportunity as he exploded towards the back end of the innings, scoring 73 off 47 deliveries to help England finish on 179 for six.

England carried that momentum into their bowling innings as New Zealand managed just 28 runs in the first five overs of the run chase, with both Kiwi openers departing inside the powerplay. With the ball offering some turn, Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid slipped in a few economical overs through the middle to leave New Zealand needing 114 off the final ten overs.

Glenn Phillips changed gears and raced away to a 25-ball half-century to take the equation to a more achievable 57 in 30 balls, but England pulled things back expertly in the final five overs with some fantastic death bowling. Sam Curran conceded 14 runs in his last two overs while Chris Woakes and Mark Wood nailed their lengths, handing England a crucial 20-run win over the table toppers.

This victory puts England in pole position to qualify for the final four of the World Cup as they pip Australia and jump into second place on the table in Group 1. Jos Buttler’s side have a substantial net-run-rate advantage over the hosts, and another victory in their final Super 12 match against Sri Lanka in Sydney should ensure their passage through to the semi-finals.