England are through to the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals after thrashing New Zealand at The Riverside.
Jonny Bairstow & Durham’s own Mark Wood led the way as Trevor Bayliss’ side ran out comfortable winners with an accomplished performance.
Despite Bairstow’s century in an opening stand of 123 runs with Jason Roy, England felt they were perhaps a little light in making 305/8.
They were on 194/1 after 30 overs but a glut of wickets saw the innings lose momentum as New Zealand fought back with the ball.
However, they lost Henry Nicholls for a golden duck in the first over of the reply & were always chasing the game from therein.
Wood grabbed the prized wicket of Kane Williamson in fortunate fashion, running him out backing up via a fingertip after Ross Taylor’s straight drive.
Kamikaze running saw Taylor run out & despite Tom Latham’s fifty on his return to the North East, Wood starred in the remainder of the innings to see England over the line.
He clean bowled Jimmy Neesham via the inside edge, trapped Mitchell Santner LBW before clearing up Matt Henry in taking figures of 3/34.
England now head to Edgbaston for the semi-finals next Thursday, where they will face either India or Australia for a place in the final at Lord’s a week on Sunday.