There were big expectations around the England-New Zealand T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final contest, given the last World Cup game between these two sides was that game. Not only did they manage to live up to those expectations, but also gave T20 World Cup 2021 its finest game yet.

England were in cruise control after they had finished with a total of 166 in their innings, and Chris Woakes had taken the wickets of Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson in the first 10 balls of his spell, to leave New Zealand at 13-2.

The New Zealand batters struggled to get going as England dominated most of the game. However, it was in the 17th over of the New Zealand innings that Jimmy Neesham tore into Chris Jordan, and seemingly recharged Daryl Mitchell in the process.

England making a right horlicks of this, but stunning hitting from Jimmy Neesham

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) November 10, 2021

New Zealand took 23 runs off the 17th over, 14 in the next, and 20 off Woakes’ final over to ensure that they won the game with an over to spare. Jimmy Neesham’s 11-ball 27 and Daryl Mitchell’s 47-ball 72 (he was at a 40-ball 46 at one stage) changed the momentum of the game.

57 off 24 balls to win and New Zealand win it with an over to spare – sensational chase

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) November 10, 2021

Jimmy Neesham , was thinking of quitting the game in 2017 and today playing a match defining innings to help New Zealand qualify for the finals. Never give up is the lesson, Sport is a great teacher #ENGvsNZ https://t.co/z3FIO6IPi2

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 10, 2021

While it didn’t have the twists and turns of the 2019 World Cup final, it was special in its own way.

That was a magnificent, fluctuating match. Before today, since start of Super 12s, teams chasing 160+ had won 1 lost 10.
NZ had never scored more than 60 in overs 16-20 to win a T20, and England hadn't conceded more than 60 in death overs to lose.

— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) November 10, 2021

There were remarks as to how New Zealand had managed to avenge their World Cup final loss to England.

Lord's has been overcome. Daryl Mitchell! And Jimmy Neesham. This was worth being here for. What a team this @BLACKCAPS is.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 10, 2021

But questions remained over England’s approach in the death, especially the use of Jordan. But Jordan found the backing of a valuable friend in this tough hour.

England's biggest problem over the last 5 years in T20Is was their death bowling. They has the worst ER in this period. Archer was their only solution and he was not around. They backed Jordan but he has never really delivered in the sub-continent consistently. #ENGvsNZ

— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) November 10, 2021

Careful mate https://t.co/uYjbZxkOUh

— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 10, 2021

But the story of the night was the exceptional New Zealand team.

Brilliant boys!!! What a chase! #NZvENG 🇳🇿

— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) November 10, 2021

New Zealand making the last three ICC finals in ALL THREE FORMATS is such an incredible achievement.

Just such an impressive group of players in every sense.

— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) November 10, 2021

What a brilliant game of cricket. #NewZealand once again winning hearts along with winning the game.

Great knock by Mitchell
who was well supported by Conway & Neesham.

Bairstow’s incident at the ropes reminded me of what happened with Boult in the 2019 finals.

Kudos to 🇳🇿!👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/XYUrJzTpHK

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 10, 2021

New Zealand has 0 super star player and 11 solid team players. Well done #NewZealand

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 10, 2021

The fighting spirit of the @BLACKCAPS is Kane Williamson's 12th Man! They are never out of a match until the final ball. Bad luck @englandcricket but on the night @BLACKCAPS had their Spartan spirit in @JimmyNeesh and @dazmitchell47 #T20WorldCup #ENGvNZ @T20WorldCup

— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) November 10, 2021

Brilliant! 🙌🙌 https://t.co/zwHf6911u3

— Chris Cairns (@chriscairns168) November 10, 2021

World Test Champions, Non-losers of 50-over WC final (sorry boundary countback doesn't count) and now World T20 finalists – we're lucky to be living this golden Kiwi age folks.

— Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) November 10, 2021

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