England outclass New Zealand, qualify for semis with Pakistan

GROS ISLET - England relied on its new found batting prowess and self-confidence to beat New Zealand by three wickets, knocking them out of the World Twenty20.

Chasing 150 to win, England lost some quick wickets in the middle overs but Eoin Morgan (40) and Luke Wright (20) once again came good with a 52-run stand. Tim Bresnan then made an unbeaten 23 of 11 balls to take England home with five balls to spare.

England thus go into the semi-final with a formidable all win record in the Super Eights and much promise to defy history and win their first world championship title in cricket.

Paul Collingwood’s team also came as a messiah for Pakistan as they carried the defending champions to the last four stage along with them. Pakistan, on their part, did their bit to stay afloat with a 11 run win over South Africa in the first match of the day. England did the rest.

Pakistan, after losing their second straight Super Eights game with a narrow one-run margin against New Zealand Saturday, needed England to win both their matches. And they did exactly that, first by getting the better of SOuth Africa the same day and then packing off New Zealand.

Though England were without their star batsman Kevin Peitersen, who has flown to England for his impending fatherhood, but it only reflected the strength of this confident England side.

After deciding to bat, New Zealand made a slow start with Brendon McCullam (33) giving himself time in the middle to prepare for a big knock. But that was not to be as he fell to off-spinner Graeme Swann that ended his 32-ball stay. His was the second wicket to fall after Jesse Ryder was bowled by an impressive Bresnan.

New Zealand’s innings picked up momentum with Ross Taylor (44 off 33 balls) and Scott Styris (31 off 19 balls) adding 62 run for the fourth wicket. England pacers Stuard Broad (2-33) and Ryan Sidebottom (1-35), however, bowled well in the death overs.

England began their chase with Craig Kieswetter (15) and Michael Lumb (32) playing their strokes. After the former was out to Kyle Mills, Lumb and Ravi Bopara (9) raised 36 runs. But England lost three wickets in quick succession and were reduced to four for 66, skipper Vettori and Scot Styris doing the damage.

Morgan and Wright led the recovery with a 52-run partnership. Morgan struck four fours and a six while Wright hit three boundaries in his 17-ball knock.

Bresnan then used the long handle hitting three fours to see England through.