New Zealand was finally able to beat England in a World Cup knockout match as they registered a 5 wicket win in the 1st semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell was the hero, as he opened the innings and held one end until the climax and took his team over the line.
English bowlers, defending a score of 167, were able to get to a good start as Chris Woakes dismissed Martin Guptill in the first over itself while he also got opposition captain Kane Williamson in the 3rd over. However, Daryl Mitchell & Devon Conway constructed a partnership of 82 runs off 67 balls and stabilized the NZ batting.
Mitchell scored 72* off 47 balls with 4 fours & 4 sixes while Conway scored 46 off 38 balls with 5 fours and 1 six. In the end, Mitchell & Neesham (27 off 11) constructed a thunderous partnership of 40 runs in 17 balls to bring their team almost to the victory line. Neesham was dismissed on the last delivery of the 18th over but in the next over, Mitchell finished things off with 2 sixes and a four to win the match and qualify for the finals.
