CT 2017, Match 6: ENG v NZ - 5 Game Changing Moments

The England vs New Zealand game surprisingly saw no overs being curtailed due to rains. The hosts managed to pull off a sensational 87 runs victory as they became the first team to enter the semi-finals for this year’s Champions Trophy. Jake Ball won the player of the match as he took two top-order wickets to jolt the Kiwi innings.

Earlier in the day, England posted a total of 310 on the board with half centuries from Alex Hales, Joe Root and Jos Buttler. New Zealand looked to be in a comfortable position halfway in the chase. However, a collapse meant they were all out for 223 runs with more than five overs to spare. With this loss, the Kiwis face a must-win situation against Bangladesh and also hope Australia lose to England.

Here are five game changing moments from the England v New Zealand game:

1. Alex Hales – Joe Root step up

While Roy continued his poor form, Hales impressed with a brilliant half century. Scoring 56 (62), he hit three boundaries and two maximums. Joe Root also stepped up again as he scored an almost run a ball 64 comprising of four boundaries and a couple of sixes. Together both stitched a partnership of 81 runs for the second wicket as the hosts recovered from the early slump. Both ensured England had a good start to their innings.

2. England losing way in middle

After a good partnership for the second wicket, the English side was expected to score big. However, both Root and Hales failed to convert their fifties into a big inning. Skipper Eoin Morgan was also dismissed cheaply as England kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Corey Anderson got three wickets while Tim Southee made merry of the tail as England failed to last the complete 50 overs. The lower order failed to hang in there.

3. Jos Buttler ensured England have a good total on the board

With the English innings faltering after a good start, Buttler played a fantastic inning of 61 runs from just 48 balls. Wickets kept falling at the other end but that didn’t stop Jos Buttler as he hit two boundaries and also a couple of sixes to take England to 300. He donned the finisher’s role in style for the hosts even though the other batsmen failed to provide him with any kind of support. This was a real game-changing moment as Buttler’s cheap dismissal could’ve well meant England getting bundled under 250.

4. Kane Williamson class batting

The Kiwis weren’t off to a great start, as last match’s half centurion Luke Ronchi was back to the pavilion in the very first over. That’s when Kane Williamson stood up with yet another magnificent innings coming from his bat. Scoring an astounding 87 runs from just 98 balls, he set the tone for New Zealand’s chase. With eight boundaries, Kane put up a tremendous show altogether. He missed out on a well-deserved century that could’ve well been his second in this tournament.

5. NZ collapse and lose

At 158/2 by the end of 30 overs, New Zealand would’ve fancied their chances of registering a 311-run chase. However, Kane Williamson’s dismissal triggered a collapse in the Kiwi batting ranks. Ross Taylor failed to hang in there. Even the likes of Neil Broom, James Neesham and Corey Anderson failed to make any kind of difference as the New Zealand innings fell like a pack of cards. They lost their last 8 wickets for just 65 runs and messed up a good platform provided by their captain.