In match number 41 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, England defeated New Zealand by 119 runs and became the third team to enter the semi-finals of the coveted tournament.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first in this World Cup clash against New Zealand, England put on 305/8 in their 50 overs.

Jonny Bairstow scored a century to propel them to a challenging total on the board. Bairstow’s ton was equally well supported by his opening partner Jason Roy (60) and a handy knock from captain Eoin Morgan (42).

At one stage, England looked all set to cruise past 350 but Kiwi bowlers made a came back with a superb display of disciplined bowling. Matt Henry, Trent Boult and James Neesham picked a couple of wickets each.

Coming out to chase 306, New Zealand’s pathetic run in the top order continued. Henry Nicholls departed for a duck with only one run on the scoreboard. Soon after, when only 13 more runs were added to the total, Martin Guptill was dismissed.

When Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor had just about revived New Zealand’s innings and looked all set to accelerate keeping an eye on the rising required rate, Williamson was run out at the non-striker’s end as a shot by Ross Taylor brushed the bowler’s fingers and hit the wickets as Williamson was found short of his crease.

Williamson’s wicket fell when the scoreboard had 61 runs to New Zealand’s credit. Ross Taylor followed the suit, trying to steal a run which was never there.

Post that it was never going to be easy for the Black Caps especially with the scoreboard pressure and the in-form batsmen already dismissed. Despite wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham’s fighting half-century (57), the Kiwis never really threatened to go past the England total, eventually managing only 186 and getting bowled out in 45 overs. Mark Wood was the pick of the bowlers for England picking up three important wickets.

However, for his match-winning hundred, one that set up the game beautifully for England, Jonny Bairstow was adjudged the Player of the Match.

New Zealand’s fate in this World Cup now depends on the Pakistan-Bangladesh encounter. If Bangladesh wins, New Zealand will go through comfortably. However, a Pakistan win with the required margin will mean the end of New Zealand’s campaign in this edition of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, England join India and Australia as the team which has confirmed its place in the semi-finals.

Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow