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Highlights
New Delhi: England captain Eoin Morgan said their belief in playing “aggressive brand of cricket” has played a big role in the team’s progress to the final of the World Twenty20. (Highlights | Scorecard)
England stormed into the final of the World T20 with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, riding on opener Jason Roy’s blazing 78.
After restricting New Zealand to 153 for eight with an impressive death bowling effort, it was then turn of right-handed Roy to pulverise a potent Black Caps attack into submission with a superlative 78 off 44 balls as the winners finished the match in only 17.1 overs.
“We did really well to peg it back after the first six or seven overs. (New Zealand skipper) Kane (Williamson) played really well and his wicket was very important. The belief in our camp is a very aggressive brand of cricket and we have confidence at the moment. We are in a good position at the moment. (A final) is the kind of thing you dream about. The players have made a lot of sacrifices and worked very hard for it,” a jubilant Morgan said at the post-match press conference.
He lauded his bowlers for their efforts to restrict New Zealand to 153 for eight after the Kiwis got off to a rollicking start in the first 10 overs.
“We continued to take wickets and it helped us a huge amount. At one stage we were looking at 180,” Morgan said.
Losing skipper Williamson admitted that they were beaten by a superior team.
“All credit to England. I knew we were probably a touch short. The 180-mark was realistic and it would have been a closer game. We were beaten by a far better team,” he said.
Williamson said he backed his bowlers to defend the score but Roy took the game away from them with his power-hitting.
“We weren’t able to stem the flow of runs, it was a fantastic knock by Jason Roy. We backed our bowlers to defend anything but the damage was done early,” he said.
Man of the Match Jason Roy credited English bowlers for restricting New Zealand to a below-par score.
“The bowling unit did really well. They (New Zealand) are a hugely dangerous line-up.
“I tried to get the team off to a good start and it went quite well. It was a chance to get off to a great start on a decent wicket. I gave it a crack and it came off. I got a few boundaries early and kept going from there. It’s the way a lot of us play. We have that opportunity to do what they want and be free with their skills,” Roy said.
Source: NDTV