World Cup 2007 : England lose against New Zealand

The “big” game of group C was decided yesterday as New Zealand dealt comfortably with England. England batted first and limped to 210 off their 50 overs. Kevin Pietersen made 60 but it was some last minute heroics from Paul Nixon and Liam Plunkett that gave England any sort of chance after yet another mid-order batting collapse. England took 3 quick wickets early in New Zealand’s innings, but Scott Styris and Jacob Oram made no mistake in seeing them past the line with time to spare.

The result won’t, in theory, hinder England’s chances of getting through to the next round, as they only have to win games against Kenya and Canada to progress, which should be straightforward. New Zealand will take a 2 point advantage which will ultimately affect who each team plays later on. That could be decisive. It was a nondescript sort of a match, especially considering the manner in which Jacob Oram batted (slowly, carefully and conservatively, compared with his usual tactic of assaulting everything out of the park). Ed Joyce failed at the top of the order yet again and Strauss will be wondering what it will take for him to get back in the side. Considering the way England are batting at the moment, my feeling is “not a lot”.