England beat New Zealand by 20 runs
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group 1, Brisbane
England 176-9 (20ov) Buttler 73 off 47, Hales 52 off 40, Ferguson 2-45
New Zealand 159-6 (20ov) Phillips 62 off 36, S Curran 2-26, Woakes 2-33.
England won by 20 runs.
Jos Buttler’s 47-ball, 73 set up England’s 20-run victory over New Zealand in his 100th T20 International, in the Men’s T20 World Cup at Brisbane, Australia, and became the highest run-scorer in the format. He hit Trent Boult in the 17th over – a back-of-a-length slower ball smacked back over the bowler’s head with a horizontal bat displaying brutal power. Alex Hales batted in his 52 from to balls and put on 81 for the opening wicket with Jos Buttler. Buttler who was dropped on eight and again on 40 steered England to score a respectable 179-6. Buttler opened the bowling with Moeen’s off-spin and brought on Adil Rashid in the powerplay.
After being 28-2 the Black Caps looked to have swung the game in their favour when Glenn Phillips and captain Kane Williamson combine for a stand of 91 from 59balls. Knowing defeat would all but eliminate them England survived under intense pressure to defend 179 at the Gabba. With 61 runs needed from 31 balls, Ben Stokes dismissed Williamson for 40 from 40 balls. In the 18th over Sam Curran had Phillips who was on 15 by Moeen Ali, a simple catch, was eventually caught at long-on for 62 from 36 balls to end New Zealand’s bid.
England was ruthless against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.