England take Roy ride to final

Roy. Jason Roy.
If he decides to introduce himself this way, perhaps no Englishman would mind today. Why would they? The English opener slammed a magnificent 78 off just 44 balls as England downed high-flying Kiwis by seven wickets in the first semifinal of the World T20 on Wednesday. And into the final. The English team are just a match away from their second title, as Eoin Morgan and team aim to emulate the class of 2010 when they lifted the trophy at Australia's expense.

Back to the game, no one expected the Kiwis to be tamed this way. A team that won all the group matches with embarrassing ease. And when New Zealand posted 153 for 8 thanks to Colin Munro's 46 off 32 balls, no one guessed a seven-wicket victory.

Roy took 16 off Corey Anderson's first over and that set their chase's tone. No bowler did he spare, hitting the ball all around the park, smashing 11 fours and two sixes.

When Ish Sodhi bowled him, England were on 110, with the match almost won. Sodhi pinned Eoin Morgan in the next ball, but Joe Root and Joss Buttler completed the formalities.

Root made 27 off 22 deliveries, but Buttler was brutal, hitting 32 in just 17 balls with two fours and three sixes.

Winning the toss, England skipper Eoin Morgan opted to field first, something that was welcomed by the Kiwis as Kane Williamson wanted to bat first as well.

Guptill made a good start, but David Willey stopped him on 15, with 17 runs on the scoreboard. Williamson and Munro then made 74 in the second wicket partnership as they looked well on course for a big score. Williamson hit 32 in 28 balls thanks to three fours and a six while Munro slammed seven fours and a six in his vital innings.

But following the duo's departure, the middle-order failed to build on the top-order's contribution.

Corey Anderson hit 28 off 23 deliveries but the England bowlers were striking every now and then to unsettle the Kiwis' advances.

Ben Stokes was the most successful bowler, picking up three wickets for 26 while each of MM Ali, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett and David Willey grabbed one apiece.

James Roy was duly adjudged the man-of-the-match. Sorry, Jason I mean.