England v New Zealand
Wisden's review of the sixth match, England v New Zealand
The circus moved to Cardiff, though so ferocious were the westerlies it was a miracle anyone negotiated the Severn Bridge. There were interruptions when gusts swept the boundary rope on to the field, and the illuminated bails - light in both senses - refused to stay put. England's attack had no such problems getting in the groove, and Morgan's side whooshed into the semis. On a slowish pitch that had caused England few problems, New Zealand's target of 311 was gettable. But Ball and Wood promptly hit the perfect length. Ball also hit middle with his fourth delivery to despatch Ronchi for a golden duck, and did not concede a run until his 18th. A key passage came in the 15th over when Plunkett, bowling cross-seamers in search of variable bounce, clonked Williamson and Taylor on the helmet. Doubt seeped into the New Zealand psyche. Williamson blew hot and cold, mixing eye-of-the-needle placement with aerial shots that had fielders jumping like fish in summertime. At 158 for two in the 31st, it was even-steven.
Man of the Match: J. T. Ball.