England beat New Zealand, become first team to reach semi-finals

Cardiff June 6 (IANS) England beat New Zealand by 87 runs in a Group A clash of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Sophia Gardens here on Tuesday to become the first side to qualify for the semi-finals.

Chasing 311 for victory New Zealand lost the plot after in-form skipper Kane Williamson (87) departed at a crucial juncture and could only manage 223 all out in 44.3 overs.

The hosts had Liam Plunkett to thank for his 4/55 in 9.3 overs while Jake Ball and Adil Rashid picked up two wickets each.

Earlier after being put to bat by the Kiwis half-centuries from Alex Hales Joe Root and Jos Buttler helped England to a respectable 310 all out in 49.3 overs.

Brief scores: England 310 all out in 49.3 overs (Alex Hales 56 Joe Root 64 Jos Buttler 61 not out; Adam Milne 3/79 Corey Anderson 3/55); New Zealand 223 all out (Kane Williamson 87; Liam Plunkett 4/55)

--IANS
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