ICC Champions Trophy 2017: England vs New Zealand, 5 things that went wrong for the Kiwis

England became the first team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 to qualify for the semifinals with a convincing 87 run win over New Zealand. The hosts batted first and posted a challenging 310 on the board with the likes of Joe Root, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler scoring half centuries.

In reply, apart from Kane Williamson, every other New Zealand looked more reactive than proactive which led them to crumble in due course. Jake Ball bowled a tight spell of 31/2 in his eight overs to restrict New Zealand and the Kiwis’ chances of qualifying for the semis now look very bleak.

On that note, here are the five things which New Zealand did wrong against England:

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#5 Bringing Adam Milne late into the attack

Milne in action for New Zealand

The decision to bowl first from New Zealand would have been successful had they taken early wickets. A lot depended on Adam Milne who had looked in good rhythm in the last game against Australia where he took two important wickets, however, against England, New Zealand brought him on very late.

Jason Roy was in poor form and Milne could have troubled him early on – he did dismiss him when he was brought on later in his very first over. Trent Boult, meanwhile, failed with his line and length which meant he was taken to the cleaners by Alex Hales.

The Kiwis brought on Milne only after the first six overs by which time Hales had gotten himself set and England were off to a decent enough start.

#4 Let the England tail wag

New Zealand failed to clean up England’s tail

The game hung in the balance during the first 40 overs. England had built a good partnership courtesy of Joe Root and Ben Stokes but found it tough to score freely. New Zealand staged a comeback of sorts as Adam Milne and Corey Anderson dismissed Root, Stokes and Ali in quick succession to get a look at England's lower order.

The Three Lions were struggling at that stage and 300 looked a far fetched total. However, New Zealand allowed England back in the game as they let first Adil Rashid and then Liam Plunkett add crucial runs alongside Jos Buttler. Buttler himself scored a blistering 61 off 48 deliveries to end the innings on a high.

#3 Over-reliance on Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson has been a lone warrior for the Black Caps at times

With the pitch looking like a batting paradise, New Zealand would have fancied their chances of chasing down the total. However, their over-dependency on their captain Williamson again came to the fore as, besides him, no New Zealand batsman managed to score significant runs.

Guptill had a good start and so too did Ross Taylor but both failed to capitalise on it. Williamson meanwhile looked in supreme touch as he continued from where he left off against Australia. He missed out on a second consecutive century but the biggest concern for his side in the coming matches would be the failure of the middle order.

#2 Under firing middle order

Neil Broom has struggled for form

As mentioned above, New Zealand failed to mount a proper challenge as, in the end, it was a fairly easy win for the hosts. After missing out against Australia, the Kiwi middle order had the chance to step up and make themselves noticed but they failed miserably yet again.

Ross Taylor got a start and looked like he would take his side to victory until he was dismissed by the Man of the Match, Jake Ball. The trio of Neil Broom, Corey Anderson and James Neesham failed yet again and the coaching staff now have their task cut out for them as they attempt to resurrect New Zealand from this slump.

Broom especially looked nervous in both the games whereas Neesham just doesn't look cut out for a tournament of this magnitude.

#1 Corey Anderson not being sent up the order

Corey Anderson has proved that he can win matches on his own

Chasing a total of over 300, you need your best hitter to come in ideally just after the 30th over to get him enough time in the middle to get set before the onslaught. This strategy has been ideally utilised by England in the case of Ben Stokes, something that has helped them mount 23 300 plus scores since the 2015 World Cup.

For the Black Caps, it is Corey Anderson who can play the Stokes role but the southpaw has been coming way too low down the order to make much of an impact. Anderson has the ability to clear boundaries at well and should be given more time in the middle.