Cricket World Cup 2019: England through to semi-finals after dominant win against New Zeland

England secured safe passage to the semi-final of the World Cup for the first time since 1992 after beating New Zealand by 119 runs in Durham.

Jonny Bairstow gave England an excellent platform to build on and raced to a 95-ball century, a second consecutive ton in the World Cup.

Bairstow and Roy’s 114 opening partnership excused the lapse batting that followed, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes all going cheaply as England set 305.

New Zealand were required to record their best score of the World Cup to beat England, but Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor both getting run out when they needed to kick-on set the tone for a disappointing day with the bat for the Black Caps.

Williamson’s side will finish level on points with Pakistan if the Asian side beat Bangladesh on Friday, but it would take a miraculous effort for Black Caps’ net run-rate to be topped, meaning they secure qualification despite defeat.

Jonny Bairstow, who set the tone for England's win, said he is delighted with England's upturn in form at the business end of the tournament.

"I am really pleased. We knew these two games were must win to give ourselves the best opportunity of reaching the semi-final. We knew the performances in the last couple of games weren't up to scratch. To play the way we have and hopefully keep it going into the semis is pleasing," he said.

"We have got a couple days off. It will be really important that the guys get away and refresh and rest up.

"People will be sore after two grueling games. Then we meet up and go again."

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, meanwhile, gracefully admitted England were the better team on the day.

"There are a lot of variables in these games and the margins on the scoreboard have looked big but for us it is important we look at it for what it is. We definitely need to be better moving forward.

"England did get the best of the conditions but they were the better team. They outplayed us in all facets. The conditions didn't decide the result. Full credit to the way England played today."