(Cricket news) The Super 12 Group 1 of the T20 World Cup has concluded. New Zealand and England are the two teams that have finished on top and have qualified for the semi-finals. Even though rain did play spoilsport by washing out 3 games and affecting one's result, it has been an extremely entertaining stage. Group 1 was always the tougher one and it has proved to be that way. Australia were ever so close to securing qualification but their negative NRR ended up costing them a place in the last 4. No team in the group was undefeated while Afghanistan were extremely unlucky to finish winless. 

Before the start of the tournament England and Australia were the favorites. New Zealand however continued their incredible run in ICC tournaments to finish on top of the group. The Kiwis started the tournament with a thumping 89 run win over Australia. They then went on to defeat Sri Lanka and Ireland as a loss against England and a no result against Afghanistan ended up not costing them a lot. Openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway were magnificent for the Black Caps. Experienced pace duo Trent Boult and Tim Southee also did the job like they always do. The key pairing were the spin twins Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner who have proved once again why they are so important.

England started with a win against Afghanistan but were then stunned by Ireland in a rain affected encounter. Their next game against Australia which was going to be crucial was a no result due to rain. Victories against New Zealand and Sri Lanka along with a healthy NRR helped them finish 2nd in the group. Mark Wood with his electrifying pace has proved to be the difference maker. Sam Curran has had a very good tournament so far which is even more impressive as he is coming back after an injury. England's batting wasn't the best but it did the job in the end.

Also read: England beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets, qualify for T20 World Cup semifinals