World T20: Dominant England thrash New Zealand

Wright’s big hitting helps England to a comfortable win.

PALLEKELE:

Defending champions England beat New Zealand by six wickets in their Super Eights match yesterday.

Luke Wright (76) smashed five sixes and as many boundaries off 43 balls as England comfortably chased down a modest target of 149 in 18.5 overs.

Earlier, James Franklin scored 50 to help New Zealand to 148 for six. Franklin hit four boundaries and two sixes off 33 deliveries.

Steven Finn dismissed Martin Guptill in the second over of the innings before having dangerman Brendon McCullum in his next.

England captain Stuart Broad expressed delight at his team’s win.

“It’s nice to bounce back,” said Broad. “Finn set the tone with the new ball. The wicket was a lot drier and it did turn a bit.”

England play their last Super Eights match against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2012.