T20 WC 2021, SF 1: ENG vs NZ Review – Kiwis storm into maiden final after stunning chase

The world may say that they’ve finally avenged the 2019 World Cup final loss, but nice guys New Zealand would just be happy to have stormed into their first-ever T20 World Cup final. In what was a topsy-turvy encounter at Abu Dhabi, it was New Zealand who emerged on top with a 5-wicket win over England.

Earlier, Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to field first. England got some crucial contributions but their batters were never comfortable with the two-paced nature of the pitch. Their openers Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler fell cheaply, but the middle order made up for it.

Dawid Malan smacked a 30-ball 41 alongside Moeen Ali, who was going all guns blazing at the other end. Ali’s first T20 World Cup fifty propelled England to a strong total. The Kiwi bowling attack didn’t really challenge the English batters, especially Trent Boult who finished with a rare wicketless spell.

A see-saw chase

New Zealand lost two of their most experienced campaigners, Martin Guptill and Williamson early in the chase. But Daryl Mitchell looked determined to hold fort at one end and he got some serious support from the middle order. Devon Conway’s 38-ball 46 consolidated the early wobble but it was Jimmy Neesham’s late assault that really changed the momentum of the game.

Neesham’s cameo of 27 runs from 11 brought New Zealand back in the chase just when England were beginning to feel that the match was in their bag. In the end, it was Mitchell who finished things off for the Kiwis with his unbeaten 72.

Top performers

Daryl Mitchell: Coming into the tournament, Mitchell wasn’t an assured starter in the playing XI, but he suited himself well in the opener’s role. It was possibly the most important knock of his life on a tough pitch under pressure situations. Mitchell’s 72 included hit 4 fours and 4 sixes.

Jimmy Neesham: The all-rounder was absolutely fantastic in reviving his side’s run-chase, especially when things got a little tricky and the Kiwis needed 57 runs in the last 4 overs. His cameo turned the game completely around in New Zealand’s favour. He hit three sixes and one four en route his short cameo. Apart from that, he also picked up a wicket in his two-over spell.

Records/Achievements

• Moeen Ali made his first 50+ score in any ICC event against a full-member team (in 31 innings). He last scored a century against Scotland in the 2015 ODI World Cup
• Jos Buttler now has the most runs by any wicket keeper in T20Is (2032)
• Daryl Mitchell became the first player to score 50+ for New Zealand in a T20 World Cup knockout match

Way ahead

England bow out of the tournament with 4 wins and 2 losses, while New Zealand have made it to their maiden T20 World Cup final.