Flintoff took three for 13 with the ball as Zimbabwe were dismissed for a pathetic 92 on a seaming, swinging Bristol wicket.

He then clubbed an unbeaten 47 after coming to the wicket with England struggling on 24 for four to propel his side into a final against South Africa.

Darren Gough also played his part, taking four for 26 with all his wickets coming in a new-ball burst which terminally rocked Zimbabwe.

James Anderson had debutant Charles Coventry caught by Michael Vaughan at mid off early on before Gough struck to remove Dion Ebrahim and Travis Friend in quick succession to leave Zimbabwe reeling on 20-3.

Richard Johnson shot out Tatenda Taibu and Gough then dismissed Grant Flower and Streak as England exploited the helpful conditions.

Stuart Matsikenyeri and Andy Blignaut briefly offered resistance but once Matsikenyeri was bowled by Flintoff, Zimbabwe folded.

Flintoff, who finished off the Zimbabwe innings with three late wickets, then hit a belligerent 47 not out to put England's reply back on track despite Heath Streak's figures of four for 21.

Marcus Trescothick, Richard Johnson, Vikram Solanki and Anthony McGrath all fell to the Zimbabwe captain in an inspirational spell of bowling.

The Lancashire all-rounder shared an unbroken stand of 70 with Vaughan (11 not out) to guide England to a six-wicket win with more than 32 overs to spare.

The defeat means Zimbabwe have failed to register even a single bonus point over the weekend and are therefore unable to qualify for next Saturday's final at Lord's.

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