Published: Feb 09, 2013, 02:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 09, 2013, 02:51 PM (IST)
England skipper Stuart Broad finished with figures of four for 24 © Getty Images
Auckland: Feb 9, 2013
England captain Stuart Broad inspired his team to a 40-run victory over New Zealand as the home side finished at 174 for nine in their 20 overs in the first of the three-match T20 series at Auckland.
After a splendid batting performance, England bowlers, led by their skipper, did well to keep New Zealand from getting close to the target. Despite a good start, New Zealand were on the back foot as a couple of wickets brought down the scoring rate.
Debutant Hamish Rutherford (18) started well but was dismissed by Broad in the fourth over. Captain McCullum started with two boundaries but his innings was cut short by a splendid catch by Morgan at point.
At this stage, the Kiwis were 46 for two in the fifth over.
Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor tried to steady the ship but Broad and Steve Finn ran through the Kiwi middle-order. Finn finished with three for 39 while Luke Wright picked up two wickets as the home side fell 40 runs short of the target.
Earlier, England posted their highest T20 total of 214 for seven.
The Kiwis won the toss and put the opposition in to bat but failed to put pressure on the visitors as the batsmen built partnerships all along the innings to take the team past the 200-run mark.
Opener Alex Hales (21) and Wright (42) put on a 60-run stand for the second wicket before Wright was sent back to the pavilion. He scored a quick-fire 42 off just 20 deliveries. His knock included two boundaries and four fours.
Jonny Bairstow (38) and Eoin Morgan (46) put together the next big partnership, this time of 81 runs from just 43 deliveries for the fourth wicket.
A cameo from Jos Butler (32 not out) towards the end of the innings ensured that England reach their highest ever T20 total of 214 for seven.
Brief Scores: England 214 for 7 in 20 overs (Luke Wright 42, Jonny Bairstow 38; Ronnie Hira 2 for 42, Trent Boult 2 for 40) bt New Zealand 174 for 9 in 20 overs (Martin Guptill 44, Colin Munro 28; Stuart Broad 4 for 24) by 40 runs.
