England beat New Zealand by 2 runs in T20I at Hamilton

Speed Post News Network

Patna : England beat New Zealand by two runs on February 18, 2018, in the T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand, in their last match of the 6-match tri-series also involving Australia. New Zealand won the toss but opted to bowl first. England capain Eoin Morgan was declayed Player of the Match for his unbeaten 80.

Batting first, England made 194/7 in 20 overs riding on a unbeaten 80 in 46 balls hitting 6 sixes and 4 fours by Captain Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan’s 53 in 36 balls hitting 5 sixes and 2 fours. Opener Jason Roy made 21 in 13 balls hitting 3 fours and a six. Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was out for 2 only while D Willey and spinner Liam Dawson made 10 each. Opener Alex Hales made one run.

For New Zealand, Trent Boult took 3/50 while Tim Southee took 2/22. Colin de Grandhomme and Ish Sodhi took one wicket each.

In Reply, New Zealand could make only 192/4 in 20 overs with openers Martin Guptil and Colin Munro scoring 62 and 57 runs respectively. Guptil hit 3 fours and 4 sixes in his 62 in 47 balls while Munro hit 7 sixes and 3 fours in his 57 in 21 balls. Both were involved in a 78 run partnership for the first wicket. Captain Kane Williamson was out for 8 while M Chapman remained unbeaten on 37 in 32 balls hitting 2 sixes and 2 fours. Former capain Ross Taylor was out for 7. For England,  Dawid Malan, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, and Liam Dawson took one wicket each.

New Zealand will now face Australia in the final due to their better run rate compared to England. Australia have won all their four matches in the tri-series – two each against England and New Zealand. Both England and New Zealand ended the tri-series with with one win each.