New Zealand stun England to reach T20 WC final

New Zealand made a remarkable comeback as they defeated England by 5 wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi to reach their maiden T20 World Cup final.

Chasing a target of 167, New Zealand got off to the worst start possible, losing Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson as Chris Woakes struck twice inside the first three overs. Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway steadied New Zealand’s ship, adding 82 runs for the third wicket.

Liam Livingstone then removed Conway and Glenn Phillips in quick successions, before Mitchell and James Neesham’s late surge took New Zealand across the finishing line with an over to spare.

Earlier, England had posted a total of 166/4, thanks to a 37-ball 51 from Moeen Ali. Initially, new Zealand had won the toss and skipper Kane Williamson had elected to bowl first.

Chief scores

England: 166/4 in 20 overs (Moeen Ali 51*, Dawid Malan 41, Jos Buttler 29, Tim Southee 1/24, Adam Milne 1/31, Ish Sodhi 1/32, James Neesham 1/18)

New Zealand: 167/5 in 19 overs (Daryl Mitchell 72*, Devon Conway 46, James Neesham 27, Liam Livingstone 2/22, Chris Woakes 2/36) (Agencies)