England Beat New Zealand To Reach Champions Trophy Semi-Final (PICTURES)

Anderson Inflicts Misery Upon Kiwis
England's James Anderson celebrates clean bowling New Zealand's Martin Guptill with Stuart Broad
England's James Anderson celebrates clean bowling New Zealand's Martin Guptill with Stuart Broad
PA

England have qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final following an 10-run victory against New Zealand in Cardiff.

The Group A match was delayed by nearly five hours due to incessant rain, before England posted 169 from a reduced 24 overs, despite a late collapse.

James Anderson took two early wickets, including the prized scalp of Martin Guptill, before Tim Bresnan and Ravi Bopara claimed two dismissals and Stuart Broad another for an excellent and essential victory.

Captain Alastair Cook made an excellent 64 of 47 balls, although he was dropped on three occasions by Nathan McCullum, as England, batting first, were dismissed two balls inside the distance, while Joe Root contributed a fine 38 in a score of 169 all out.

England v New Zealand: Group A - ICC Champions Trophy

England vs New Zealand

New Zealand's reply never really got going after the James Anderson (three for 32) removed Luke Ronchi (two) and Martin Guptill (nine) during the fourth over.

Ross Taylor (three) and Brendan McCullum (eight) soon joined them in the pavillion, but the arrival of more light rainfall briefly threatened to derail England's victory charge.

However, the weather held off for England to claim the victory needed to advance, despite a defiant 67 from Kane Williamson, which briefly threatened to bring the Black Caps back into contention.

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