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Captain Jos Buttler and Alex Hales’ half-centuries guided England to a crucial 20-run victory over the table toppers New Zealand, in Group 1 fixture of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 at the Gabba on Tuesday.
The two openers led England’s acceleration in the first ten overs, propelling their side to a competitive 179 for 6 in their stipulated 20 overs.
Chasing 180 for victory, the Black Caps lost their opening batters early but made a decent recovery in middle-overs as skipper Kane Williamson (40) and Glenn Phillips (73) added a 91-run stand for the third wicket. But Williamson’s run-a-ball knock created pressure on other New Zealand players, and they eventually failed to hit sixes and fours in the death overs. England pacers – Mark Wood (1/25), Sam Curran (2/26) and Chris Woakes (2/33) – shared five wickets among them and didn’t allow the Kiwi hard-hitters to score run at will.
In the end, New Zealand could manage just 159 for the loss of six wickets.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions have now moved up to the second spot in the points table, only behind the Blackcaps’ on the basis of net run rate (NRR).
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
This is why 🏴 for me are favourites.. have all skillsets and the temperament to go with it. #T20WorldCup #sscricket
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) November 1, 2022
Incredible how catches change momentum in Cricket
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 1, 2022
12 months ago it was Englands death bowling that cost them against NZ .. Today it’s saved them .. Sam Curran is becoming a fantastic bowler at the death for England .. It’s all about NRR now .. #ICCWorldCup2022
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 1, 2022
Note to self: Look after your net run rate from early on – Look after your net run rate from early on!
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 1, 2022
Trademark Buttler 🙌
We can reveal that this six from Jos Buttler is one of the moments that could be featured in your @0xFanCraze Crictos of the Game packs from #ENGvNZ.
Grab your pack from https://t.co/EaGDgPxhJN to own iconic moments from every game. pic.twitter.com/JyGQ3APulS
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 1, 2022
🏴 MASSIVE WIN 🏴
An amazing performance from England under huge pressure 😍#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ivnno6E61E
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) November 1, 2022
Great knock from Glenn Phillips. His partnership with Kane Williamson brought New Zealand back in contention. But England have been spot on with their changes of pace at the death, Woakes and Curran outstanding. And some excellent catching in the deep from Chris Jordan. #ENGvNZ
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) November 1, 2022
🙌🏾
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 1, 2022
A captain's knock 💪
Jos Buttler's stunning 47-ball 73 earns him the @aramco POTM 👏 pic.twitter.com/vkvflhXqbF
— ICC (@ICC) November 1, 2022
Ladies & gentlemen, presenting you the leading run-scorer of the Super 12 🔥
Hats off, Glenn! Not the desired result, you were amazing today 🙌#ENGvNZ #T20WorldCup #OrangeArmy | @glenndominic159 pic.twitter.com/N5O4TGRmVc
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 1, 2022