England proved there was more to their batting than Kevin Pietersen as they knocked New Zealand out of the World Twenty20 with a three-wicket win last night.
England proved there was more to their batting than Kevin Pietersen as they knocked New Zealand out of the World Twenty20 with a three-wicket win last night.
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| England's Tim Bresnan (right) is congratulated by teammate Graeme Swann after they defeated New Zealand in the World Twenty20 Super Eight match at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St Lucia yesterday. England won by three wickets. Pic/AFP |
Eoin Morgan starred with 40 after England, chasing 150 for victory, had slumped to 66 for four at the Beausejour Stadium.
But, together with Luke Wright, who made 24, the former Ireland left-hander swung the game back England's way in a stand of 52 in just more than six overs.
Morgan got out just before the finish but Man-of-the-Match Tim Bresnan, unbeaten on 23 after taking one wicket for 20, ended the contest with five balls to spare when he pulled Kyle Mills for four.
England, already through to the semi-finals before this final Group E match even started, after defending champions Pakistan beat South Africa earlier in the day, ended the Super Eights with a perfect played three won three record.
They will now face the runners-up in Group F in the first semi-final here on Thursday.
"It's crucial that you keep the momentum going and stay in winning ways," said England captain Paul Collingwood at the post-match presentation ceremony. "There are areas to improve on again, but I'm absolutely delighted in how we've gone. A lot of credit goes to the bowlers."
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori blamed repeated batting failures for his side's exit.
"There were a number of factors (in losing this match), 150 was competitive but about 10 below par," Vettori said.
"We did well to fight back but Morgan and Wright's partnership took it away from us. We could have bowled better. We just haven't been able to put enough runs on the board."
Brief scores: England 153 for 7 (Eoin Morgan 40, Michael Lumb 32, Tim Bresnan 23 not out; Scott Styris 2 for 19) beat New Zealand 149 for 6 (Ross Taylor 44, Brendon McCullum 33; Graeme Swann 2 for 31)
Result:u00a0 England won by three wickets.
