England kept their World Cup hopes alive with a thrilling 119-run victory over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. Jos Buttler’s 73 and a superb bowling performance from Sam Curran were the key factors in the win, which keeps England in the hunt for a semi-final spot.
England had been in a precarious position at the start of the match, with their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance. They had to win to keep their hopes alive, and they did just that, thanks to a superb performance from Buttler and Curran.
Buttler, who had been in poor form in the tournament so far, came to the crease with England in trouble at 97-4. He proceeded to play a brilliant innings, scoring 73 off just 59 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. His innings was the backbone of England’s total of 305-8, and it gave them a fighting chance of victory.
Curran then stepped up to the plate with the ball, taking 4-54 from his 10 overs. He was the pick of the bowlers, and his spell of 4-17 in the middle overs was instrumental in restricting New Zealand to 186 all out.
The victory was a huge boost for England, who now have a chance of making the semi-finals. They will need to win their remaining two matches against India and Bangladesh to have any chance of progressing, but the win over New Zealand has given them a glimmer of hope.
It was also a huge relief for Buttler, who had been under pressure after a string of low scores in the tournament. His innings was a reminder of his quality, and it could be the spark that ignites England’s World Cup campaign.
For New Zealand, the defeat was a huge blow. They had been in a strong position in the tournament, but the loss to England has put them in a precarious position. They will now need to win their remaining two matches against Pakistan and Afghanistan to have any chance of making the semi-finals.
Overall, it was a thrilling match, and one that could have huge implications for the rest of the tournament. England are still alive in the competition, and Buttler and Curran will be hoping to continue their good form in the remaining matches. For New Zealand, the pressure is on, and they will need to produce something special to keep their World Cup hopes alive.