The aggressive brand of cricket paid off: Eoin Morgan

England skipper Eoin Morgan is over the moon following the Brits’ qualification to the semifinal of the tournament. Despite dismissed for a duck off his very first delivery, Morgan had a reason to celebrate. In the post-match presser, Morgan revealed that the aggressive brand of cricket played by the English paid off. Morgan also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the England players for their team’s cause.

“We did really well to peg it back after the first six or seven overs. (New Zealand skipper) Kane (Williamson) played really well and his wicket was very important. The belief in our camp is a very aggressive brand of cricket and we have confidence at the moment. We are in a good position at the moment. (A final) is the kind of thing you dream about. The players have made a lot of sacrifices and worked very hard for it,” a jubilant Morgan said at the post-match press conference.

Eoin Morgan also mentioned that his bowlers did well at the death, therefore restricting the Black Caps to 154.

“We continued to take wickets and it helped us a huge amount. At one stage we were looking at 180,” Morgan said. Losing skipper Williamson admitted that they were on Wednesday beaten by a superior team.

The disappointment was evident as Kane Williamson conceded that it was the brilliance of Jason Roy and England that helped them secure the win.

“All credit to England. I knew we were probably a touch short. The 180-mark was realistic and it would have been a closer game. We were beaten by a far better team,” he said. Williamson said he backed his bowlers to defend the score but Roy took the game away from them with his power-hitting.

“We weren’t able to stem the flow of runs, it was a fantastic knock by Jason Roy. We backed our bowlers to defend anything but the damage was done early,” he said.

Jason Roy, who would go on to be named as the man of the match stated that he was presented with a great opportunity on a great batting wicket.

“The bowling unit did really well. They (New Zealand) are a hugely dangerous line-up.

“I tried to get the team off to a good start and it went quite well. It was a chance to get off to a great start on a decent wicket. I gave it a crack and it came off. I got a few boundaries early and kept going from there. It’s the way a lot of us play. We have that opportunity to do what they want and be free with their skills,” Roy said.