Kiwis beat England by nine runs on D-L method in 'rain-interrupted' World T20 clash

New Zealand has defeated England by nine runs in their opening World Twenty20 match, which was interrupted by rain, on the Duckworth-Lewis method in Chittagong on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging 173-run target, New Zealand were 52-1 after 5.2 overs when heavy rain came down following a burst of thunder, which halted the Group One match played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium.

According to Sport24, New Zealand was finally declared the winners on the Duckworth-Lewis formula when the rain started to fall again after a 25-minute delay when the umpires were due to inspect the ground.

The report mentioned that New Zealand needed to score 43 in 5.2 overs on the D/L method, which ruled them the winners, with Kane Williamson unbeaten on 24 and captain Brendon McCullum being on 16 when the match ended abruptly.

Meanwhile, the report also said that Pakistan will play Australia and title-holders West Indies face India in Group Two matches in Dhaka on Sunday.

Two teams from each group will qualify for the semis. The final will be played on April 6, the report added.