England collapse allows New Zealand through to final

Unbeaten New Zealand batted first against the recently "promoted" England in the second semi final of the Double Wicket World Championship.

The New Zealanders having recognised the importance of batting first during this competition and relying on the strenght of their bowling, batted first against England.

The pair of Jacob Oram and Daniel Vettori went about their innings in a most professional way, mixing aggression with caution. Oram in particular was most unforgiving to some 'friendly' bowling from the England team.

They posted the highest score of the competition reaching 113 runs from the allotted 10 overs. Jacob Oram ended with 52 (which included three massive sixes) and Daniel Vettori also got 36 in the process.

For England, Andrew Flintoff ended with figures of none for 70, while Adam Hollioake got two for 41. There were five extras in the New Zealand innings.

England lucky to be in the semi finals wanted to make the most of their situation. Fielding first, the previousl unbeaten New Zealanders were determined to preserve that record.

Both Jacob Oram and Daniel Vettori took heavy toll on New Zealand's bowling, in the process posting the highest total of the competition. After the allotted 10 overs, New Zealand were on 113, surpassing the previous best total of 112 (ironically scored by England against Zimbabwe in the preliminary round of matches).

For New Zealand, Oram got 52 and Vettori 36, with 5 extras. Bowling for England Andrew Flintoff ended with figures of none for 70, while Adam Hollioake ended with figures of two for 41.

New Zealand's good bowling and some desperate batting contributed to England's eventual demise. Set a challenging 94 to win, the English batsmen were immediately under pressure, having to score nearly 10 runs per over while at the same time maintaining their wickets. In the end, neither happened.

England were restricted to 40 runs after 10 overs, having conceded nine wickets in the process. Flintoff scored 9 runs, while his partner Hollioake got 25 runs. There were five extras in the England total. Bowling for New Zealand, Vettori, who at one point was on a hat trick ended up with figures of seven for 59, while Oram ended with two for 70.

Scores: New Zealand 93 (Oram 52, Vettori 36, Extras 5)
Bowling: Hollioake 2 for 41, Flintoff none for 70

England 40 (Flintoff 9, Hollioake 25, Extras 6)
Bowling: Vettori 7 for 59, Oram 2 for 70
Result: New Zealand won by 53 runs and advance to the Finals