WATCH: New Zealand's downfall in Chester-le-Street that sent England to World Cup 2019 semis

Chasing 306 for victory, New Zealand gave a poor account of themselves, losing wickets at regular intervals and never really posing any threat

New Zealand began their World Cup 2019 campaign on a high as they remained unbeaten in their first games. But soon they lost the momentum as they went through 3 consecutive defeat to end their journey in the league phase. Their victory run was restricted by Pakistan on June 26 and it continued till Wednesday as they lost to England in Chester-le Street. This defeat put them at the fourth place on the points table but created an immense problem for Sarfraz Ahmed & Co. Chasing 306 for victory, New Zealand gave a poor account of themselves, losing wickets at regular intervals and never really posing any threat. For the Kiwis, who were 186 all out in 45 overs, wicket-keeper-batsman Tom Latham top scored with 57 off 65 balls. The Black Caps were reduced to 14/2 after openers Henry Nicolls (0) and Martin Guptill (8) were dismissed inside the first six overs. Nicolls was trapped in front by Chris Woakes (1/44) while Guptill was caught behind by Jos Buttler off Jofra Archer (1/17). Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson were then in the middle and just when they were looking good, their skipper was run out in the most unfortunate manner as Wood got his fingertips to a shot by Taylor down the pitch with replays showing Williamson (27) out of his crease.

A local favourite, @MAWood33 thrilled Durham (and England) fans with a superb bowling performance against New Zealand. See all the @englandcricket wickets 👇#WeAreEngland | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/YuUPS3qObL

— ICC (@ICC) July 3, 2019

Once their 47-run third wicket association was broken with Taylor (28) also getting run out, the match swung in England's favour with the asking rate climbing up every over. All-rounder James Neesham (19) and Latham shared a 54-run fifth wicket partnership which kept their fading hopes alive. But once Neesham chopped a Wood back of a length delivery on to his stumps, it was all over even as Latham scored his first fifty of the tournament. England finished their league engagements in third place on 12 points while New Zealand were pushed down to fourth with 11 points from nine games. While fifth-place Pakistan do still have a chance, they would have to beat Bangladesh by a massive margin to come even close to the Kiwis' net run rate.