Even in the absence of injured opener Jason Roy, England will be formidable Twenty20 World Cup opponents, insists New Zealand bowler Adam Milne, after his team reached the semis.
The Blackcaps will face England, whom Milne describes as "world class", in the first semi at Abu Dhabi on Thursday (NZ time) in a rematch of the 2019 World Cup one-day final.
Roy retired hurt with a calf injury in England's 10-run loss to South Africa and the 2010 champions continue to fret on the opener's availability for the knockout matches.
"I think, when you look at the England order, they've got guys that can easily slot in to open," says Milne, after New Zealand dispatched Afghanistan in their final Super 12 match at Abu Dhabi.
"Jonny Bairstow has opened before, so I think whatever team they have coming out against us, it's going to be a really strong team. We'll have to be right on the mark."
Milne says New Zealand are aware of England's strong white-ball record in recent years, but backed themselves to do well against any opposition.
"Obviously, they're a world-class team that's sort of proven over the last few years that, in white-ball competitions, they're extremely strong.
"They've got a powerful batting order and a very skilled bowling group. We know it's going to be a real tough challenge.
"Saying that, we've also got a really good group with some really skilled bowlers, seamers and spinners and a really good batting group. We're confident we can go out and beat anyone in this tournament."
The semi-final draw was complete, when Pakistan overcame winless Scotland in their final Super 12 outing, sealing top spot in Group Two.
Captain Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik cracked blistering half-centuries as the former champions eased past the Scots by 72 runs to set up a meeting with Australia in the final four.
After winning the toss, Azam opted to bat first and led from the front with a 47-ball 66 that contained five boundaries and three sixes, before Malik put Scotland to the sword, with a 25-ball 54 dotted by six hits over the ropes.
Mohammad Hafeez also joined the party with a 19-ball 31 to help them reach a commanding 189/4 in their 20 overs, with 114 coming off the final eight.
Pakistan reduced Scotland to 41/4, with Shadab Khan removing dangerous opener George Munsey for 17, before bowling Dylan Budge for a duck to lay the foundation for another convincing victory in a tournament where they have been flawless.
Richie Berrington brought up his half-century in the 18th over off Hasan Ali, smashing the paceman for a huge six along the way, but his gutsy 54 not out went in vain, as Scotland managed only 117/6 in their 20 overs.
Reuters
