England, on Tuesday, secured a satisfying 20-run victory over New Zealand, as they are now hopeful of winning the T20 World Cup. England would face Sri Lanka in the last group-stage game, on Saturday, before making their way to the semifinals. England would have to be above Australia’s net-run rate to have a smooth entry into the semis. 

At last year’s T20 World Cup, England lost to New Zealand in the semifinals, ending their dream of winning the cup. This year, however, England came prepared, and they were the ones responsible for their opponent’s exit from the competition. 

England was helped by half-centuries from Jos Buttler, who was dropped twice in the game, and Alex Hales. Moeen Ali helped to take down Glenn Phillips, who helped New Zealand with a half-century. 

New Zealand is not out of the competition just yet. They are five points ahead, just like England and Australia. Their next game is on Friday against Ireland. The outcome of that game would determine whether or not New Zealand would continue with the completion. 

As for England, the win against New Zealand would help wash away any memories from last week when they lost by five runs to Ireland. The possibility of winning this year’s T20 World Cup has rekindled in the minds of England players, and that might serve as a boost that would impact their next performance. 

Skipper Buttler, show as also named player of the match, said he was sure that England had great players in their team but just needed to look for a way to work better so they can produce the desired result. 

He said: “I said at the toss you don’t become a bad team overnight. We had a bad performance, but we know we’ve got great players in our line-up, so there was still lots of confidence in the group, and we left it all out there tonight.”

England would face Sri Lanka on Saturday in the final game in the group stage.  

Leon Osamor