England in T20 World Cup final
March 30, 2016England had no trouble discarding New Zealand in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup in Dehli, India. The opening partnership of Roy and Alex Hales contributed 82 runs as England topped the target score of 154 with 17 balls remaining.
New Zealand came hot out of the gates, starting out 89 for 1 from 10 overs. The wicket of Kane Williamson, one of New Zealand's best batsmen, turned things around for England as they held the "Black Caps" to 153 for 8 after the 20 overs.
Roy set the tone early in England's innings, smashing four boundaries in the very first over against New Zealand's Corey Anderson. Roy's 78 from 44 balls led all batsmen in the match, and his day only ended after a stumps-busting wicket from bowler Isha Sohdi.
New Zealand's bowlers struggled on the day after helping guide the "Black Caps" to the semifinals. Jos Buttler, England's third-best run producer in this year's tournament, clinched the victory by smashing a six off of Sohdi. England ended with a score of 159 for 3 after Buttler's second six of the match.
England now await either the West Indies or hosts India, who face off against each other on Thursday in Mumbai. England could have an opportunity to avenge a group stage loss to the West Indies, but could also have a chance to beat India in T20 cricket for the third time in a row.