New Zealand gained swift revenge for their super over defeat to England two years ago in the 50 over World Cup final. The Black Caps defeated England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup by five wickets with an over to spare.

Moeen Ali’s unbeaten half-century and 41 from Dawid Malan put a competitive total on the board. But an outstanding innings from Daryll Mitchell(72*) and a cameo knock of 27 from Jimmy Neesham saw New Zealand home.

England missing two key players

New Zealand won the toss and elected to put England in to bat. England went into the game minus two key players due to Injuries. Opener Jason Roy and death bowler Tymall Mills missed out and it proved that England deprived of their services would struggle without them.

Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow opened for England and put on 37 for the first wicket before Bairstow(13) fell to Adam Milne. Buttler(29) was trapped leg before by Sodhi to leave England 53 for 2. It was down to an entertaining knock from Malan and an undefeated half century from Ali off 37 balls to steer England to a competitive total of 166 for 4.

New Zealand’s reply started off badly when Martin Guptill(4) was taken at mid on off the third ball of the innings. Skipper Kane Williamson(5) became Chris Woakes second victim as New Zealand struggled.

Conway and Mitchell rescue Black Caps

The Black Caps were indebted to a knock of 46 from Devon Conway before he became one of two victims from Liam Livingstone. England were well on top with the run rate approaching 13 an over. However, they hadn’t made allowances for a brilliant cameo innings from James Neesham.

The 31-year-old Aucklander smashed 27 off only 11 deliveries to give New Zealand some hope. Along with Mitchell the pair had got the total down to 20 required off 12 balls. Rashid dismissed Neesham, but it was down to the cool head of Mitchell to guide New Zealand to the final and a chance to win their first white ball trophy.