New Zealand were in the contest for a bit before fizzling out towards the end as they suffered an 87-run defeat against England in the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday.
With this victory, England have qualified for the semi-finals while New Zealand will have to hope for favourable results in the two remaining Group A matches (New Zealand vs Bangladesh and England vs Australia).
Here, we look at three important moments from the match.
WOOD’S SNORTER
It was clear after the 30-over mark that only one man stood between England and victory — Kane Williamson. New Zealand were 156 for two with Williamson on 85 and threatening to take the game away from the hosts.
But that’s when fast bowler Mark Wood delivered the killer blow by claiming Williamson for 87 with a cross seam delivery that rose unexpectedly to kiss the batsman’s glove on the way to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler’s hands.
The Kiwi resistance didn’t last long after that as the rest of the side packed up for the addition of just 65 runs.
PLUNKETT’S CAMEO
Liam Plunkett proved his worth with the bat with a 10-ball 15 that may not look big on the scoreboard but had a lot of value overall.
He came in with England in a spot of bother at 260-7 but showed brute power to smash a big six off Adam Milne over deep backward square leg.
More importantly, he was involved in a 49-run partnership in just five overs with Jos Buttler that was crucial in helping England cross the 300-mark.
BOULT FROM THE BLUE
England were motoring well heading into the final Powerplay with Moeen Ali settling in nicely. The left-handed batsman had already hit 12 runs from 11 balls and was looking good for a few more when a Trent Boult special ended his innings.
Ali’s attempt to pull Corey Anderson ended in a flying Boult catch at short fine leg.
The pace ace also provided the finishing touch to the England innings by running in from square leg and diving full length to take a catch to dismiss Jake Ball off a short delivery from Tim Southee.