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.

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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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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