The first semi final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 was played between England vs Newzealand yesterday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Newzealand defeated England by 5 wickets and reached in final for the first time in T20 format. Today Australia will face Pakistan in 2nd semi final. The winner of the 2nd semi final will face Newzealand in the final match.
Newzealand won the toss and invited England to bat first. English opener Jos Butler and Jonny Bairstow made 37 runs partnership. Bairstow has gone for 13 runs. Then Jos Butler gone for 29 runs in 24 balls. They started well but the both hard hitter couldn't play aggressive innings. Then all rounder Moeen Ali came out and made 63 runs partnership with Dawid Malan. Malan scored 41 runs in 30 balls including 4 fours and a six. Moeen Ali scored 51 runs in 37 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes and finally remained unbeaten. England managed to score 166-4 in 20 overs.
Kiwi bowlers tried their best to restrict England to score big innings. Tim Southee bowled well and took one wicket for 24 runs in 4 overs. Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, James Neesham each took one wicket.
In reply Newzealand couldn't start well. Their top order Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson have gone for 4 and 5 runs. Newzealand were in huge pressure to chase down the target. However kiwi wicket keeper and batsman Devon Conway came out and made 82 runs big partnership with Daryl Mitchell. Devon Conway scored 46 runs in 38 balls including 5 fours and a six. After Devon Conway's wicket Gleen Philips came out but gone for only 2 runs. Newzealand have lost 4 wickets for scoring 107 runs in 15.1 overs. At that time Newzealand needed 60 runs in 29 balls. Kiwi all rounder James Neesham came out and played a magical innings of 27 runs in 11 balls including a four and 3 sixes. On the other hand kiwi opener Daryl Mitchell played till end and scored unbeaten 72 runs in 47 balls including 4 fours and 4 sixes. Finally Newzealand chased down the target in 19 overs. English all rounder Liam Livingstone and Chris Wokes each took 2 wickets. Daryl Mitchell was player of the match for his outstanding innings.
● England : 166/4
Moeen Ali 51, Dawid Malan 41
Tim Southee 1-24
● Newzealand : 167/5
Daryl Mitchell 72, Devon Conway 46
Liam Livingstone 2-22
☆☆☆ Man of the match: Daryl Mitchell
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