ENGLAND beat the rain, and New Zealand by 10-runs, in Cardiff yesterday to secure a semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy.

In a game delayed by five hours because of the wet weather, and reduced to 24 overs each, England made 169 all-out before restricting the Kiwis to eight for 159.

The result meant that for the Black Caps to progress to the semi-finals, they needed Australia to beat Sri Lanka, but not by a large enough margin to better the Kiwis' superior net run-rate.

With Sri Lanka having beat Australia last night, England has qualified as runners-up and will meet unbeaten Pool B winners India in Cardiff on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Australia A needed to take another seven wickets overnight to beat Ireland on the final day of the four-day clash in Belfast.

Ireland was three for 51, needing a further 250 for victory, after Aussie captain Brad Haddin declared with his side on 0 for 174 in its second innings.

NSW opener Nic Maddinson smashed 113 from just 63 balls, including 13 fours and six sixes.