World Twenty20 2012: England’s Luke Wright hails Steve Finn

Luke Wright heaped praised on team-mate Steven Finn after the fast bowler took 3-16 to help England secure a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super Eights of the Twenty20 World Cup.

Wright, who was man of the match in Pallekele, smashed 76 from 43 balls as England hit 149-4 batting second to claim their first victory in three games at the tournament.

Speaking after the game the Sussex all-rounder felt England bowler Finn deserved the plaudits: “There are a lot of positives to come out of the game.

“Personally I think Steven Finn should be here [receiving the man of the match award) for the way he bowled – he was outstanding.

“It was disappointing the other day (the defeat against West Indies) so it’s nice to come back and get some runs.

“It was all about getting going really. We kept talking about having a batsman in at the end and luckily that was me today.”

The win keeps England’s hopes at the tournament alive, having lost their previous two games in demoralising fashion.

Losing the toss, Stuart Broad’s men took to the field and after two early wickets from Finn, who bowled with control and aggression, were quickly in command.

The Middlesex quickie removing Kiwi danger man Brendon McCullum for 10, caught in the deep by Wright.

Only some lusty blows from James Franklin, batting six, made sure of a respectable total for Ross Taylor’s side.

Tim Bresnan and Danny Briggs were called into the attack in place of Samit Patel and Jade Dernbach. At the halfway mark the decision was vindicated as England were set 149 to win.

Despite the early loss of Craig Kieswetter – who failed once again – England were always comfortable during their chase.

Wright, aided by Eoin Morgan (30) made sure there were no further hiccups as they rotated the strike well.

Wright could not quite see the job through – caught in the covers during the penultimate over off the bowling of Doug Bracewell – but Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler were on hand to see England home with seven balls to spare.

Broad’s men face hosts Sri Lanka on Monday in their final Super Eights match.

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