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| England surged into their first World Cup semi-final since 1992 with a comprehensive 119-run defeat of New Zealand at Chester-le-Street |
Hosts England qualified for the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup by beating New Zealand by 119 runs in their last group match at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.
Jonny Bairstow’s second consecutive century powered the hosts to 305-8 after electing to bat at the Riverside Ground.
Bairstow smashed 106 off 99 balls and stitched together a 123-run opening stand with Jason Roy (60) before a middle order collapse opened the door for their opponents.
New Zealand lost their openers cheaply before two run-outs effectively derailed their chase as they were all out for 186 in 45 overs with only Tom Latham (57) offering some resistance with the bat.
Australia and India had earlier qualified for the last four.
New Zealand have not qualified for the semis yet but, given their superior run rate, Pakistan would need a freak result against Bangladesh on Friday to leapfrog the Black Caps.
