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Cardiff: England produced a disciplined allround display to register a narrow 10-run victory over New Zealand in their crucial rain-curtailed Group A match to enter the semifinals of the Champions Trophy here today.
Riding on skipper Alastair Cook's 47-ball 64, England scored 169 all out against New Zealand after the match was reduced to a 24-over a side tie following incessant rain which delayed the start by over five hours.
Needing 170 for a win, the Kiwis lost their top five batsmen for 62 and despite a gutsy 54-ball 67 by Kane Williamson, they failed to take the game to the wire.
With four points from three matches in group A, England are currently on top of the table.
After three games, New Zealand are second in the group with three points while Australia (1 point from two matches) and Sri Lanka (two points from two matches) are all in the fray for a spot in the last four.
All eyes will be now on Australia and Sri Lanka when they clash at The Oval tomorrow.
Chasing 170 to win, New Zealand never recovered after losing both their openers for 14 runs.
A brilliant spell of seam bowling by James Anderson (3/32) gave England the advantage. Anderson moved the ball both ways and generated some hostile pace as the Kiwi batsmen failed to find their feet.
Luke Ronchi and Martin Guptill were never in comfort against the English bowlers. Ronchi edged a rising ball to third man and Guptill was bowled off an inside edge.
Ross Taylor reviewed his LBW decision unsuccessfully after a Tim Bresnan inswinger hit him on the right leg. Taylor (3 off 6 balls) appealed to the TV umpire in desperation but in vain.
Brendon McCullum's departure in the 12th over left New Zealand with too much to chase. The asking rate mounted to 10-plus and the Kiwi captain's exit meant the New Zealanders didn't have a man to step on the gas.
England captain Alastair Cook mixed his genuine and slow-medium pacers to telling effect. Ravi Bopara, with his cutters and his slow-off-the wicket pace, was always going to be a difficult customer.
Bopara (2/26) picked up the crucial wickets of Brendon (8) -- Joe Root took a brilliantly judged low catch at deep square leg -- and James Franklin as the Kiwis suffered a batting collapse.
