• England book semi-final spot

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    A second successive century from Jonny Bairstow laid the foundation for England to claim a 119-run win over New Zealand in Durham on Wednesday.

    After a crucial victory over India on Sunday, England backed that up with an even more convincing triumph against New Zealand to banish any World Cup jitters.

    The tone was set from the outset by Jason Roy and Bairstow, who produced a commanding 123-run opening stand, with the latter finishing on 106.

    For the indomitable Bairstow, he became the first Englishman to reach two World Cup tons in succession.

    Although the hosts didn’t quite capitalise on their powerful start to proceedings, they still posted a handy total of 305-8.

    For New Zealand to have had any chance of pulling off a vital win in their quest for the playoffs, they needed to get off to a strong start. Instead, they lost two early wickets.

    The game-changing moments really came in the 16th and 17th overs, though, when star batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor were both run out in quick succession.

    Williamson was cruelly dismissed at the non-striker’s end as the ball was hit straight back, and just caught the finger of bowler Mark Wood, before cannoning into the stumps. However, Taylor was the architect of his own demise as he attempted to complete a suicidal second run.

    From there, New Zealand capitulated to 186 all out, with England quite possibly now set for a date with India in the semi-finals. It will be England’s first appearance in the semi-finals since 1992.

    Photo: Twitter/@cricketworldcup

    Post by

    Craig Lewis