PHOTOS: England vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy

England registered a narrow 10-run victory over New Zealand in the crucial rain-curtailed Group A match to enter the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in Cardiff on Sunday.

Riding on skipper Alastair Cook's 47-ball 64, England scored 169 all out against New Zealand after the match was reduced to a 24-over a side tie following incessant rain which delayed the start by over five hours.

-Scorecard

Needing 170 for victory, New Zealand lost their top five batsmen for 62, and despite a 54-ball 67 by Kane Williamson they failed to take the game to the wire.

With four points from three matches, England are placed on top of Group A.

 

Cook, who was dropped by Nathan McCullum thrice, anchored the England innings with two crucial partnerships. He forged a 75-run third wicket stand with Joe Root and then added 41 runs in 26 balls with Eoin Morgan for the fourth wicket.

But once he was caught and bowled by Nathan in the 19th over.

The rain continued to play havoc and the game was shortened. There have been three matches washed out because of rain in the past in Cardiff.

The Kiwis were in trouble after James Anderson’s twin strike. New Zealand were struggling at 2 for 14.

Tim Bresnan crippled New Zealand further with the wicket of batting mainstay Ross Taylor, who fell leg before wicket for 3.

New Zealand were in tatters at 27 for three in seven overs.