England posted an above par 166/4 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the Twenty20 World Cup 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
After being invited to bat first, England’s Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow started cautiously with New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Trent Boult bowling tight lines.
Bairstow was the first man to be dismissed in the match for 13 off an Adam Milne delivery.
Buttler did not last long either as he was dismissed for 29 off 24 deliveries.
Moeen Ali then joined Malan and the pair put on 63 runs for third wicket helping the English to a solid total.
Malan was out for 41 off 30 off balls while Ali remained unbeaten on 51 off 37 deliveries.
Liam Livingstone hit 17 off 10 balls.
For New Zealand James Neesham, Tim Southee , Adam Milne and Ish Sodhi picked up a wicket apiece.
Earlier, skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to field first without much deliberation.
The winner of today’s match will play either Australia or Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday.
