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Match reports

England v New Zealand

Wisden's review of the eleventh ODI, England v New Zealand

15-Apr-2014
At Cardiff, June 16. England won by ten runs. Toss: New Zealand. One-day international debut: C. J. Anderson.
England pipped New Zealand to a semi-final place, having enjoyed the benefit of a desperately tight call during the denouement. With New Zealand needing 35 from 17 balls, Williamson swung Broad to Jimmy Anderson at extra cover, only for the umpires to ask for confirmation that Broad had not overstepped. Replays showed how close he had come: his heel barely kissed the back of the line. Instead of surviving to enjoy a free hit, the increasingly aggressive Williamson departed for 67 from 54 balls, Broad conceded five from the over, and England breathed again; Cook admitted he would not have complained had the decision gone the other way. Earlier, he had risen to the challenge of a match shortened to 24 overs a side by hitting two sixes in a one-day international innings for the first time. Cook's 64 occupied 47 balls, but his departure sprang the loss of seven for 28 in 31 deliveries as Mills wrought late damage. However, Anderson immediately led the England pace attack in snatching back the impetus. With Bopara bustling through, New Zealand struggled to reach four an over, and left themselves chasing 104 from the last ten. Corey Anderson, a strong left-hander making his debut after a late call-up to replace the injured Grant Elliott, helped Williamson yank things forward, despite lengthy treatment for a calf strain; and the 21st over, from Bresnan, brought 19 runs. Broad's moment of fortune settled the matter.
Man of the Match: A. N. Cook. Attendance: 13,676.