Friday, February 20th, 2015

Moeen Second Top Scorer But England Lose By Eight Wickets To Black Caps

Moeen Second Top Scorer But England Lose By Eight Wickets To Black Caps

Moeen Ali was second top scorer but England were beaten by eight wickets in their second World Cup Pool 'A' match with New Zealand in Wellington.

Sensational performances by Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum enabled the Black Caps to register a comprehensive victory.

Moeen looked in good form and hit four boundaries off Southee via a pull, through mid off, over extra cover and over slip – the last three in succession – after England had decided to bat.

But after making 20 from 15 balls Southee had his revenge when bowling the Worcestershire all-rounder who was second out with 36 on the board in the seventh over.

Joe Root top-scored with 46 off 70 balls.

But England were dismissed for 123 in 33.2 overs with Southee returning figures of 7-33 as the last seven wickets fell for 19 runs in eight overs.

There were only nine boundaries in the entire innings.

Moeen did not bowl as New Zealand hurried to victory in just 12.2 overs.

Black Caps captain McCullum hit the fastest ever World Cup half century off just 19 deliveries.

He finished unbeaten on 77 from 25 balls with seven sixes and eight fours.