Hamilton, Feb 19 (TNS): New Zealand advanced to the final of the Trans-Tasman Twenty20 triangular series against Australia despite suffering a two-run loss to England at Seddon Park on Sunday.
Captain Eoin Morgan returned from injury to help England avoid their fourth-straight loss in the series, scoring an unbeaten 80 from 46 balls and sharing a partnership of 93 with Dawid Malan (53) in England’s innings of 194-7. Colin Munro crunched seven sixes in a 21-ball 57 and a 78-run opening partnership with Martin Guptill (62) which seemed to set up New Zealand for a successful run chase. But outstanding bowling near the death by Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan and Tom Curran saw England hold New Zealand to 192-4 in its 20 overs. Unfortunately for England, New Zealand only needed to reach 175 to ensure they qualified for the final on run rate as both teams finished the series with one win. It feels not that good to be honest,” Morgan said. “We obviously don’t go through to the final, which is disappointing. 174 was the target we were trying to defend. We created chances at stages but given the start they got off to with Colin Munro and Martin Guptill in that sort of form we weren’t able to do it. I thought we fought really well but it was sort of the story of our trip: good enough to win the game but not good enough to go through to the final.
After New Zealand’s rollicking start, England spinners Rashid and Liam Dawson quietened the pace through the middle of the innings. New Zealand were 77 without loss after six overs when Rashid came on and quickly claimed Munro’s wicket. Seven overs later, when Rashid was bowled out and Dawson had claimed the prized wicket of Kane Williamson, New Zealand were 108 for two with Guptill and Chapman primed to finish the innings off. At the top of the order, Colin Munro was brilliant, said Williamson, who also played tribute to the role played by Guptill, a century-maker gainst Australia two days ago. Martin played so well through that middle period to suck it up after whacking it to all parts a few days ago, to do what the team required to get as close as we could to that total. Guptill and Chapman added 64 runs in 5.2 overs and ensured New Zealand were within sight of the final before Guptill was bowled by Malan with his side 164 for three.
