T20 World Cup semi-final – ENG vs NZ Live: With injuries to 2 key players, New Zealand to start favourite against England in 1st Semifinals: New Zealand have the opportunity to clinch a second ICC trophy in six months as they qualified for the semifinals with a win over Afghanistan. Williamson and Co. are now just two wins away from winning the title. Meanwhile, reigning 50-over champions England come into the game after their first loss of the competition, going down to South Africa.
T20 World Cup semi-final – ENG vs NZ Live:: With injuries to 2 key players, New Zealand to start favourite against England in 1st Semifinals: Follow Live updates
New Zealand’s hopes of defeating England have received a shot in the arm, with Eoin Morgan’s side struggling with injuries. Death bowling specialist Tymal Mills has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, while Jason Roy hurt his calf. While the extent of Jason Roy’s injury is still unknown, the swashbuckling opener was seen in crutches after the game. The Sunrisers star has been one of the star players for England in this T20 World Cup, complementing Jos Buttler well at the top of the order.
Mills was replaced by Reece Topley in the squad and Mark Wood in the playing XI, with the latter conceding 47 runs from his four overs. Topley and David Willey could be in contention to make the playing XI in the T20 World Cup semi-final, but neither have the death bowling skills that Mills possessed. The left-arm pacer had himself come in contention after Jofra Archer was ruled out due to an injury.
T20 World Cup semi-final – ENG vs NZ Live: With injuries to 2 key players, New Zealand to start favourite against England in 1st Semifinals: Follow Live updates
As for Jason Roy, England could see Jonny Bairstow return to open the batting while Sam Billings could slot in the middle order as they look to plug a huge hole in the side. James Vince could also get a look in at the top of the order, should Eoin Morgan be unwilling to chop and change his batting order. Former captain Nasser Hussain in his column for Daily Mail opined that a move up top for Bairstow, with the 32-year-old being a fine opening batsman for England in the 50-over format. He also opens for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
Nonetheless, the injuries have posed huge questions for England who face a huge test against an in-form New Zealand side, who have been mightily effective in this T20 World Cup. The Kiwis have stuck with their same XI for most of the tournament, and Kane Williamson and Co. will fancy their chances against a depleted England side. The Kiwis will also be keen on avenging their 2019 World Cup final loss to Morgan and Co., and knocking England out in a T20 World Cup semi-final should help heal some of those wounds.
T20 World Cup semi-final – ENG vs NZ Live:: With injuries to 2 key players, New Zealand to start favourite against England in 1st Semifinals: Follow Live updates
Editors pick
