T20 World Cup 2022 – England and New Zealand faced off at the iconic Brisbane Cricket Ground, in what was a high stake and high-octane clash. After a disappointing and surprising performance against their Irish neighbours and a washed-out game against arch rivals Australia, a victory in today’s clash was essential to their keeping their World Cup dream alive.
Match Summary– ENG VS NZ T20 World Cup
After poor outings in the first few games, England’s opening pair finally came to the fore and guided England to their most successful powerplay yet in the tournament, against a bowling attack that boasted of the magical pair: Boult & Southee and the fiery Lockie Ferguson. Alex Hales in particular, raced along to 50 with shots spread across the ground, playing his role to perfection while Buttler batted with caution and attacking at the right moment. England huffed and puffed to daunting target of 180 on the back of a Buttler-Hales masterclass, after New Zealand pulled things back in the death overs.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen needed to attack from the get go in order to make use of the fielding restrictions but Jos Buttler’s aggressive captaincy paved the way for two quick wickets of the openers and the Kiwis had been put on the backfoot. England continued the stronghold and had the game in grasp before a shocking drop by Moeen Ali meant that the centurion Glenn Philips survived to steady the ship with Kane Williamson at the other end. The Kiwis dominated the middle overs, scoring 83 runs in that period and losing just one wicket but Sam Curran and Chris Woakes bowled with beautiful guile and pace to outwit the Kiwi batters and take their team to a dominant and much needed victory that sees them on par with the table toppers at 5 points.
England, Australia and New Zealand are now all tied at 5 points with each having a game in hand and the next few days of the tournament promise mouth-watering clashes, with a semi-final spot and world cup dreams at stake. This tournament just keeps on giving and the cricketing world is on path to witness history.