England sealed their place in the World Cup semi-finals, as Jonny Bairstow’s second successive century fired them to a dominant 119-run win over New Zealand.
England qualified for the semi-finals for the first time in 27 years with the win over the Kiwis, who are also effectively heading to the playoffs despite a third straight loss.
Jonny Bairstow’s second consecutive century powered the hosts to 8-305 after electing to bat at the Riverside Ground, Durham.
Bairstow smashed 106 off 99 balls and stitched together a 123-run opening stand with Jason Roy (60) before a middle-order collapse opened the door for their opponents.
But in reply, New Zealand lost their openers cheaply before two run-outs effectively derailed their chase as they were all out for 186 in 45 overs with only Tom Latham (57) offering some resistance with the bat.
Little more than a week after defeat to Australia left them fighting for their tournament lives, Eoin Morgan’s England are now making plans for their first appearance in the last four since 1992.
They are now guaranteed to finish third in the table and will face either Australia or India at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Skipper Morgan said he thought his side were “outstanding” in their victory over the Black Caps.
“I thought we were outstanding today,” he told Sky TV.
“It started again with the two boys at the top of the order laying a good solid platform playing in the way that they do and I thought Jonny (Bairstow) going on to get 100 was match winning today.
“It really was outstanding.”
New Zealand have not qualified for the semis yet but, given their superior run rate, Pakistan would need a freak result against Bangladesh on Friday to leapfrog the Black Caps.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Likewise.
VivGilchrist
Roar Rookie
No. Just stating fact.
Bobbo7
Guest
NZ have been rubbish the last three games. But they have also been very unlucky. To date the top 5 have had... 4 leg side edges to the keeper Guptill back foot slipping and breaking the stumps Williamson's finger tip run out Nicholls first ball non-LBW (that he should have reviewed) That said, if NZ can bat first in the Semi, they a re every chance of winning I reckon. Very hard to chase this WC and any score over 250 will be hard to chase.
AREH
Roar Guru
Probably, they really don't look likely at the moment, with how thin and out of form most of the batting appears. They will be hoping for it to truly click on the right day, where an out of form Guptil/Munro - whoever is playing - explodes and goes ballistic
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Yep. And that's Pakistan for you. Hot/cold. Up/down. You wouldn't want to be betting your hard earned on them. It's a shame really, they have some quality ODI players.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
I think you're overstating NZ there Ryan. They've been exposed at the top end of the table and I've little doubt if the game against India had been played, it would have been another heavy loss. Sure, it's sport and things can happen, but NZ would not only need to be right on their game against any of the semi finalists to win, their opponents would need to be right off theirs too. No such things as a soft semi (don't), but if there were, this would be it.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
And lemons are sour, hey Viv?
VivGilchrist
Roar Rookie
Well, we’ve learned nothing new... England look like superstars when the conditions favour their batsmen. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, hey Johnny?
McBumble
Guest
Once again the Poms have been given a road to bat on and the result is a foregone conclusion. Predictions: AUS lose to SAF by 17 runs Semis AUS lose to ENG by 6 wickets IND beat NZ by 98 runs Final ENG beat IND by 4 wickets Bairstow = man of the series
AREH
Roar Guru
Of course NZ can still win their semi-final, however three consecutive losses - all hefty, too - is a concerning build up. A lack of form for too many of their top six is hurting, although Latham got some runs last night. Assuming Australia can remain atop, they would be left with a golden opportunity, but NZ have enough quality to win on their day, especially with their pace attack - and you never know what will happen next in those Trans-Tasman clashes.
ForwardsWinMatches
Guest
They needed, but failed, to put Afghanistan to the sword.
dat
Roar Rookie
Because of this result,Pakistan now needs to defeat Bangladesh by 316 runs to overtake New Zealand in the points table, while they can't get in no matter what, if they are made to chase a target. Yet i see alot of the fans online optimistically discussing the possibilities of setting up a score of 500 and what not. If they do win the toss at least the game isn't going to be boring.