Hosts England faced little trouble in thwarting the challenge from New Zealand and registered a simple 87 run win at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The contest was expected to be a closely fought game. However, England once again came out as a united force and outclassed the opposition effortlessly.
After being put to bat first, England, powered by the combined brilliance of Alex Hales (56 from 62 balls), Joe Root (64 from 65 balls), Ben Stokes (48 from 53 balls) and Jos Buttler (61* from 48 balls), set up a target of 310 on the scoreboard for the Blackcaps. In response, New Zealand was able to reach only 223 before getting all out in 44.3 overs. Skipper Kane Williamson (87 from 87 balls) was the only Kiwi who did an appreciable job. The rest just flunked. This win has now made England the fist team to march into the semis.
Jake Ball, the right-arm fast bowler, was named as the Man of the Match. He snapped 2/31. It was great decision to judge him as the best player of the day. His victims of the match included New Zealand opener Luke Ronchi and Ross Taylor, both big fish.
He kick-started the defence for England in style. The proceedings began with the wicket of Ronchi whom he made to depart for a golden duck off the fourth delivery in the opening over. Later on, during his second spell, he broke a thriving stand between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.
The dismissal of Taylor in the 34th over was the arguably the turning point of the match, as it allowed Liam Plunkett and leg-spinner Adil Rashid to wrap off the innings quickly.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Ball conceded that the pitch was moist and it was all about being disciplined.
“The rain had juiced the pitch up so it was a matter of getting it in the right areas,” he says. “You have to be prepared to go round the park now and again, and cherish the days when you come off the field with decent figures.” Right areas.
England will face Australia next at Edgbaston, Birmingham on June 10.