England vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup Super 12: Highlights

That is it from this game as no team has been guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals from Group 1. The action in the T20 World Cup continues on the 2nd of November with another doubleheader. In the first game of the day, Zimbabwe will take on the Netherlands in Adelaide and that game will begin at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT). The second game is a clash between two Asian teams as India play Bangladesh and the game will begin at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). The build-up for both those games will begin much sooner. Do join us then. Cheers!

Jos Buttler the winning captain is also the Player of the Match for his 73 runs in just 47 deliveries. He says that they had a poor performance in the last game but they had the belief to turn things around. Adds that in these tournaments you expect to be under pressure and it can be ruthless as we saw South Africa going out despite winning four out of their five games in the last World Cup. Mentions that the wicket was a bit tricky and praises Alex Hales for his knock. Tells that it is always nice to look back at things like this (On going past Eoin Morgan as the highest scorer for England in T20Is). Also, credits Moeen Ali for the way he bowled and put New Zealand under pressure. Further says that in T20 cricket you need to be patient and keep backing your players. It is important to encourage them. Says that they were aiming for 160-165, but they were happy to go beyond that. Tells that batting first was the right decision and the early wickets helped too. Ends by saying that their focus will be to win against Sri Lanka.

Kane Williamson the captain of New Zealand credits England for the way they played and says that they struggled to get a breakthrough early. Adds that Jos Buttler and Alex Hales were outstanding at the top of the order and that their opponents were far more clinical than they were. Claims that they tried to take the game deep and they had their moments but they fell short. About the dropped catches he agrees that they can't give lives to quality players as they will make you pay. Adds that he thought he had the ball clamped in his arms but the replays showed otherwise and it was a bit embarrassing. Mentions that Glenn Phillips was outstanding and has now played two good innings in difficult conditions. Ends by saying that they will always be put under pressure in big competitions and they hope to take confidence into the next game.

Time for the presentation...

In the first inning, England got off to a flier with their openers putting on an 81-run partnership as they both reached their half-century. Jos Buttler top-scored with 73 but the Kiwi spinners did well to pull the game back and restrict their opponents to under 180. They were, however, unable to take the momentum into their batting and despite Glenn Phillips's heroics they have fallen well short of the target.

New Zealand did not get off to a good start as Devon Conway could not make the most of a close shave as he got dismissed soon after getting a stumping scare. Finn Allen got off to a start but could not get going and once his wicket fell Kane Williamson got together with Glen Phillips to put on a 91-run partnership of just 59 balls. They had set a good platform by consolidating before the Drinks break and taking the attack to the bowlers after the interval. However, once Kane Williamson departed on a run-a-ball 40, it was difficult for the new batters to accelerate immediately. The dismissal of Glenn Phillips on 62 all but sealed the deal as the target seemed too far away for the lower-order batters. 

England were right on top of their opponents right from the word go operating with spin from one end and pace from the other. Chris Woakes claimed a wicket in his first over and Sam Curran came on to dismiss the other opener. A dropped catch from Moeen Ali proved to be expensive as New Zealand began building a partnership that threatened to take the game away from them. Ben Stokes was brought into the attack for one over and it proved to be a masterstroke as he broke the partnership which caused the new batters to collapse under the pressure. The pace bowlers claimed all the wickets as Sam Curran and Chris Woakes picked up two wickets each with Mark Wood and Ben Stokes chipping in with one each.

England have kept their hopes alive with a complete performance! New Zealand at one point looked like they could push for the target but they lost 4 wickets for 40 runs towards the end and have fallen short by 20 runs. The win for England has blown the group open with four teams fighting for two semi-final spots and things have gotten really interesting. New Zealand will be disappointed in missing out on an opportunity to confirm the spot in the knockouts but they still claim the top spot in the group courtesy of a superior net run rate. 

19.6: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, A single to end the innings! Sam Curran bowls another good yorker, on leg, Mitchell Santner squeezes it towards long on for a single. ENGLAND WIN BY 20 RUNS!

19.5: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, Sam Curran bangs in a bouncer, on middle and leg, Mitchell Santner misses his pull shot.

19.4: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, Sam Curran nails the yorker this time, on middle and leg, Mitchell Santner digs it back to the bowler.

19.3: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, This is full and on leg, Mitchell Santner drills it towards long on for a brace.

19.3: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, WIDE! Sam Curran loses his line and serves this full delivery down the leg, Mitchell Santner misses his flick and the ball goes through to the keeper. Jos Buttler takes a review to save the wide, but UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Wided.

19.2: Sam Curran to Ish Sodhi, This is on a length and on off, Ish Sodhi drags this towards deep mid-wicket for a single. New Zealand need 25 runs in 4 balls now.

19.1: Sam Curran to Ish Sodhi, Swing and a miss! This is full and outside off, slower too, Ish Sodhi swings wildly but misses.

18.6: Chris Woakes to Mitchell Santner, SIX! BANG! Chris Woakes bowls a slower one, on a length and on off, Mitchell Santner stays there and pulls it over the long on fence for a biggie. New Zealand need 26 runs in the last over.

18.6: Chris Woakes to Mitchell Santner, WIDE! Chris Woakes loses his line and serves this length ball way outside off, Mitchell Santner leaves it alone. Wided.

18.5: Chris Woakes to Mitchell Santner, Chris Woakes pithces it up, on leg, Mitchell Santner chips it down to long on for a couple of runs.

18.4: Chris Woakes to Mitchell Santner, This is full and on off, Mitchell Santner lofts it towards long on for a brace.

18.3: Chris Woakes to Ish Sodhi, Ish Sodhi gives the charge and Chris Woakes bangs a hard-length delivery, on leg, angling in, Sodhi misses and gets hit high on his body. A leg bye is taken.

18.2: Chris Woakes to Mitchell Santner, Short of a length and outside off, Mitchell Santner cuts it over point for a single.

18.1: Chris Woakes to Ish Sodhi, A slower one, on a length and on off, Ish Sodhi lofts it towards long on for a single.

17.6: Sam Curran to Ish Sodhi, Sam Curran bowls this short and outside off, Ish Sodhi looks to pull but only manages to get it to long on for a single. 

17.5: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, Bowls this close to the batter on a good length, Mitchell Santner is cramped for room and works this down to long on for one. 

17.4: Sam Curran to Ish Sodhi, Sam Curran welcomes Ish Sodhi with a short ball going down leg, Ish Sodhi looks to pull and gets a top edge over short fine leg as the batters are able to complete three runs. 

17.3: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, OUT! TAKEN! Sam Curran gets the big fish, Glenn Phillips! That could be it for New Zealand and England are delighted. Sam Curran bowls this a touch fuller and on middle, in the slot, Glenn Phillips goes for the big slog, but miscues his shot straight up in the air towards long on where Chris Jordan takes another good catch. England are right on top!

17.2: Sam Curran to Mitchell Santner, Sam Curran bowls this short and follows the batter to the leg side, Mitchell Santner pulls this away from mid-wicket and takes a single. 

17.1: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, Sam Curran begins the over with a back-of-a-length delivery outside off, Glenn Phillips unches trhis to deep cover and some good fielding in the deep saves a run and allows the batters to take three runs. 

Mitchell Santner makes his way out to the middle and will need to support Glenn Phillips who looks in fine form at the other end. 

16.6: Chris Woakes to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! TAKEN! Chris Woakes gets his second wicket and sends Daryl Mitchell back to the hut. He bowls another slower one, bit full and on leg, Daryl Mitchell looks to loft it over the long on fence, but hits it with the bottom part of the bat. As a result, he fails to get the eleavtion and Chris Jordan (Sub) takes a nice catch moving to his right. New Zealand still need 49 runs in 18 balls.

16.5: Chris Woakes to Glenn Phillips, Chris Woakes bowls a slower bouncer, on middle, Glenn Phillips pulls it towards deep square leg for just a single.

16.4: Chris Woakes to Glenn Phillips, A slower one now, on a length and on middle, Glenn Phillips only manages to push it back to the bowler.

16.3: Chris Woakes to Daryl Mitchell, Chris Woakes lands this short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. He bowls amother slower one, bit fuller and on leg, Daryl Mitchell looks to loft it over the long on fence, but hits it with the bottom half of the bat. As a result, he fails to get elevation and Chris Jordan (Sub) takes a nice catch moving to his right. New Zealand sti;; need 49 off 18 ball now.

16.2: Chris Woakes to Daryl Mitchell, On a length again and on off, Daryl Mitchell works it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. The throw needed to be better at the batter's end to cause in any trouble.

16.1: Chris Woakes to Glenn Phillips, This is on a good length and on middle, Glenn Phillips pushes it towards cover for single.

15.6: Mark Wood to Daryl Mitchell, Swing and a miss! Mark Wood goes for the short delivery again and bowls this outside off, Daryl Mitchell tries for the pull shot but cannot connect.

15.5: Mark Wood to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell guides it towards point.

Daryl Mitchell is the new batter at the crease.

15.4: Mark Wood to James Neesham, OUT! TAKEN! Mark Wood strikes! England are back in the game with two wickets in two over. Mark Wood bangs this short and on middle, James Neesham gets hurried and miscues his pull shot in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Sam Curran takes a nice catch moving to his left. New Zealand lose their fourth.

15.3: Mark Wood to James Neesham, Mark Wood bowls this on a good length and on leg, angling in, James Neesham works it towards square leg for a couple of runs.

15.2: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, This is on a hard length and on leg, Glenn Phillips awkwardly pulls it through square leg for a single.

15.1: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, Swing and a miss! Mark Wood bangs this short and on middle, Glenn Phillips goes for the pull shot but gets beaten by the pace.

Mark Wood has been brought back into the attack.

14.6: Ben Stokes to James Neesham, FOUR! James Neesham gets off the mark in style! Ben Stokes bowls a short ball outside off to welcome the new batter and James Neesham does not need a second invitation to slap this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs. 

James Neesham walks out to bat now.

14.5: Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Stokes gets a breakthrough in his first over and the New Zealand skipper has to depart! Ben Stokes takes some pace off the ball and bowls this on a good length outside the off stump. Kane Williamson looks to guide this fine but gets beaten by the pace. He manages to lob this towards short third man where Adil Rashid dives forward and take an easy catch. Kane Williamson played the roll on an anchor but his departure now means that the new batter will have to go after the bowlers right from the start. 

14.4: Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, Goes full and wide outside the off pole, Glenn Phillips looks to gets across the stumps and scoop this over the keeper but does not get a hold of it. Miscues his shot to short third man and they take a single. 

14.3: Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, This is bowled full and outside off, Glenn Phillips hits this really hard straight to the cover fielder. 

14.2: Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Glenn Phillips looking really dangerous here! Ben Stokes bangs this in short and angling down leg, Glenn Phillips helps it along its way over the short fine leg fielder for four runs. 

New Zealand have started to change gears now, and this is going to be an exciting end to the chase. England need to break this partnership quickly.

14.1: Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, This is on a good length and nipping back into the batter from just outside off, Kane Williamson works this toward cover and takes a run. 

13.6: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Bowls a quicker delivery full and into the pads, Kane Williamson taps this towards mid on and takes a quick run to keep strike. 

13.5: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, This is closer to the stumps on a shorter length, Glenn Phillips punches this to long off and takes one. 

13.4: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, That brings up a quick-fire half-century for Glenn Phillips! Adil Rashid goes back to bowling short and outside off, Glenn Phillips hits this off his back foot towards deep cover for a couple of runs. 

13.3: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Make that two maximums in a row! Adil Rashid decides to flight this one full and outside off, Glenn Phillips gets on one knee and sweeps this over deep square leg for six more runs. 

13.2: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Glenn Phillips looking to get in offensive mode here against the spinner! Adil Rashid drops the ball short and in line with the stumps, Glenn Phillips pulls this over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. That brings up the 100 for New Zealand.

13.1: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Adil Rashid begins the over with a short ball in line with the stumps, Kane Williamson rocks back and plays this to wide long on for a run. 

Adil Rashid (3-0-16-0) replaces Mark Wood.

12.6: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, Goes full and attempts a yorker but strays onto the pads, Glenn Phillips clips this to deep backward square leg and get two more runs. 

12.5: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, Sam Curran goes short once again and continues to bowl outside off, Glenn Phillips goes for the pulls shot but does not get a hold of it and the ball goes towards deep mid-wicket. They run outstandingly well to complete a coule of runs. 

12.4: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, Bangs this in short and outside off, Glenn Phillips looks to pull but is unable to connect. 

12.3: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, Full and on the pads, Glenn Phillips clips this to wide long on and looks for two. There is no second but a direct hit from the deep allowed them to get a brace.

12.2: Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, Goes a fraction full and outside off, Kane Williamson works this to deep point and take a single. 

12.2: Sam Curran to Glenn Phillips, WIDE! This is down leg side on a good length. The keeper does not collect cleanly as he slips and they take an extra run. The umpire calls this wide as the batter leaves it alone.

12.1: Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, Sam Curran bowls this on a good length and down leg side, Kane Williamson makes room and plays this towards cover to give Glenn Phillips the strike with a single. 

Sam Curran is back on. He conceded 2 runs in his first over and picked up a wicket.

11.6: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, Another delivery bowled back of a length and outside off, Kane Williamson taps this towards cover-point and takes another quick single. 

11.5: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, Delivers this on a good length and outside off, Glenn Phillips taps this toward cover and takes a quick single. 

11.4: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, This is back-of-a-length and outside the off stump, Glenn Phillips blocks this towards point. 

11.3: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, SIX! That has been dispatched and it should release some of the pressure! Mark Wood goes full and just outside the off pole, Glenn Phillips keeps his head still and flicks the ball over deep mid-wicket for a huge hit. 

11.2: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, Bangs this in short and in line with the stumps, Glenn Phillips does well to duck under this one. 

11.1: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, This is on a good length and in line with the stumps, Glenn Phillips looks to block and gets an inside edge towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs. With that, the 50-run partnership comes up between these two batters.

Mark Wood comes back into the attack. He conceded 12 runs in his first over.

10.6: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Full and attacking the stumps, Kane Williamson thumps it back towards the bowler who stops the ball with his foot. 

10.5: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, In line with the stumps on a fuller length, Kane Williamson top edges his sweep shot and the ball goes behind the keeper as they take a couple of runs. 

10.4: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, This is flighted full and outside off, Glenn Phillips strokes this to long off for a run.

10.3: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! A lucky boundary for Glenn Phillips and England have not kept a slip at all this game. This is flighted full and outside off, Glenn Phillips pushes at the ball and gets a thick edge that flies to third man for four runs. 

10.2: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Bowls this slightly short and outside off, Kane Williamson uses the crease and works this down to long on for a single. 

10.1: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Liam Livingstone bowls a low full toss on the pads, Kane Williamson clips this towards deep mid-wicket and they take two runs. 

DRINKS! England will be absolutely thrilled with their effort so far as they have not only dismissed the dangerous New Zealand openers but also chocked the flow of runs. They are far ahead in this game but will not take this lightly as they know a few good overs for their opponents could change the tide against them. The dropped catch of Glenn Phillips could prove to be expensive. The Kiwis need to get going soon if there are to mount a challenge of achieving the target as they definitely have the capabilities to do so. England are ahead at this stage but the game could go either way after the break.

9.6: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Floated, full and on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

9.5: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, DROPPED! Moeen Ali drops a sitter! Adil Rashid flights this up, on off, turning away a bit, Glenn Phillips goes for the slog-sweep, but miscues his shot in the air towards cover where Moeen Ali runs to his left, but spills it out. It was a very casual effort from Ali and Adil Rashid cannot believe it. Glenn Phillips was dropped in the last game and went on to score a hundred. Can he do something like that again?

9.4: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Shorter in length and on off, Kane Williamson punches it off the back foot towards cover for single.

9.3: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Quicker delivery, on middle, Kane Williamson knocks it back to the bowler.

9.2: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, full and on leg, Glenn Phillips works it through square leg for a single.

9.1: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, A bit short and on off, Glenn Phillips moves back and pushes it towards cover-point.

8.6: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, FOUR! A much-needed boundary for New Zealand! This is tossed up, full and on off, Kane Williamson drives it firmly wide of long off where Harry Brook dives to his left but cannot stop it from going to the boundary.

8.5: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Quicker one, short and on off, Kane Williamson uses his feet but only manages to steer it towards point.

8.4: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, Flatter, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips clips it towards square leg for a single.

8.3: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Flighted delivery, on leg, Kane Williamson makes room and knocks it towards point for a single.

8.2: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, full and on off, Kane Williamson drives it past cover for a brace.

8.1: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, Liam Livingstone bowls this full and just outside off, Glenn Phillips works this through cover-point for a single. 

7.6: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Goes short and outside off, Kane Williamson moves back and forces it wide of long off for a couple of runs.

7.5: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Floated, full and on middle, Kane Williamson mistimes his drive back to the bowler.

7.4: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, full and on off, Glenn Phillips looks to play at it but gets an outside edge towards short third man for a single.

7.3: Adil Rashid to Glenn Phillips, Short again and outside off, Glenn Phillips cuts it wide of deep point for a brace. 50 up fro New Zealand!

7.2: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Looped up, full and on off, Kane Williamson goes inside-out and chips it towards deep extra cover for a single.

7.1: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Short and on off, Kane Williamson mistimes his cut towards backward point.

6.6: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Nice placement! Thsi is short again and outside off, Glenn Phillips stays there and cuts it through point for a boundary.

6.5: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Liam Livingstone continues with the shorter length, on off, Kane Williamson pushes it toward cover for a single.

6.4: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, Quicker one, short and on off, Glenn Phillips goes for the cut, but gets an outside edge, and Jos Buttler stretches his leg to parry it towards short third man. A single is taken.

6.3: Liam Livingstone to Glenn Phillips, Shortish and on off, Glenn Phillips pushes it towards point again.

6.2: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Short again and on off, Kane Williamson guides it towards backward point for a quick single.

6.1: Liam Livingstone to Kane Williamson, Liam Livingstone starts with a short delivery, on off, Kane Williamson cuts it towards point.

5.6: Mark Wood to Glenn Phillips, EDGED AND FOUR! Mark Wood bowls this full and on middle at 155 clicks, Glenn Phillips is a bit late to put his down to block it, but gets an inside edge just past the stumps towards fine leg fence for a boundary.

5.5: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, This is on a good length and on off, Kane Williamson waits for it and guides it towards third man for a single.

5.4: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Kane Williamson knocks it towards mid on.

5.3: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Nicely timed! Mark Wood serves this full and on the pads again, Kane Williamson uses the pace and flicks it away wide of fine leg for a boundary.

5.2: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, On a length and around leg, Kane Williamson tucks it towards mid-wicket.

5.2: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, WIDE! This is full and down the leg side, Kane Williamson misses his flick. Wided.

5.1: Mark Wood to Kane Williamson, Mark Wood starts with a good-length delivery, on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it towards square leg where the fielder lets it through. Two runs taken!

Glenn Phillips comes out to the middle now. Mark Wood has been brought into the attack. 

4.6: Sam Curran to Finn Allen, OUT! CAUGHT! Sam Curran strikes and gets rid of the dangerous Finn Allen! He bowls this one back of a length and outside off, Finn Allen is tempted into the pull shot but is unable to get into a good position. He mishits the ball as it goes high toward deep mid-wicket. Ben Stokes comes running in from the boundary and takes a fine catch. He seems to have shut his fingers in early and hurt them as he is seen grimacing. Sam Curran is thrilled with his wicket and England have their second. 

4.5: Sam Curran to Finn Allen, Nails the yorker outside the off stump, Finn Allen looks to dig this out but is unable to connect as the ball goes through to the keeper. 

4.4: Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, Delivers this outside the off pole on a good length once again. Kane Williamson works this to deep point and takes a run. 

4.3: Sam Curran to Kane Williamson, This is on a good length and just outside the off pole, Kane Williamson looks to pull but the ball is not short enough and gets beaten on the under edge. 

4.2: Sam Curran to Finn Allen, Bowls this outside leg and pulls his length back as he sees the batter charging down the wicket. Finn Allen has to adjust and mistimes his pull towards mid-wicket for a single. 

4.1: Sam Curran to Finn Allen, Sam Curran begins with a good-length delivery angling away from outside off, Finn Allen hits this on the bounce to the mid off fielder. 

Sam Curran comes into the attack now.

3.6: Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Really poor delivery from Chris Woakes and the ball gets the treatment it deserves! Chris Woakes bowls a half-tracker angling down leg, Kane Williamson pulls and works this ball past the short fine leg fielder to collect four runs for himself. 

3.5: Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Continues bowling on a good length and attacking the stumps, Kane Williamson shimmies down the wicket and taps this towards cover. 

3.4: Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Bowls this one on a good length and in line with the stumps, Kane Williamson defends this towards mid-wicket. 

3.3: Chris Woakes to Finn Allen, Goes full once again and into the pads, Finn Allen flicks this towards deep square leg for a single. 

3.2: Chris Woakes to Finn Allen, SIX! Finn Allen has hit this one-handed over the ropes for a maximum! Chris Woakes bowls a slower delivery full and just outside off, Finn Allen charges down the wicket and heaves this over the deep square leg boundary for six runs.

3.1: Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Chris Woakes bowls this on a god length but strays onto the pads, Kane Williamson clips this to deep square leg and takes a single. 

2.6: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Another flighted delivery bowled outside the off stump on a fuller length, Kane Williamson strokes this to long off and collects a run. 

2.5: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Quicker delivery bowled full and on a leg stump line, Kane Williamson defends this to the right of the bowler. 

2.4: Adil Rashid to Finn Allen, Loopy delivery bowled full and in line with the stumps, Finn Allen goes for the reverse sweep and plays this past the point fielder for three runs. 

2.3: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Tosses this one up once again and outside the off pole, Kane Williamson uses his wrist and works this to mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark. 

2.2: Adil Rashid to Kane Williamson, Flighted full and just outside off, Kane Williamson gets his front foot forward and defends this to the left of the bowler. 

2.1: Adil Rashid to Finn Allen, Adil Rashid begins with a shortish delivery outside off, Finn Allen rocks back and hits this towards cover-point. They take a quick single to rotate strike. 

Kane Williamson walks out to bat at number 3. Also, Adil Rashid replaces Moeen Ali.

1.6: Chris Woakes to Devon Conway, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Devon Conway has to make the long walk back to the shed this time! Chris Woakes gets his man as he bangs in a short ball going down leg side, Devon Conway gets across the line of the stumps and looks to pull this fine. He only manages to get his glove on this and Jos Buttler takes a fine catch diving to his right. England have drawn first blood and they are right on top of the opponents. 

1.5: Chris Woakes to Devon Conway, This is on a good length and just outside off, Devon Conway defends this toward the cover fielder. 

1.4: Chris Woakes to Finn Allen, Bowls this on a fuller length and in line with the stumps, Finn Allen clips this to mid-wicket and they take a run. 

1.3: Chris Woakes to Devon Conway, Goes full this time and on the pads, Devon Conway misses his flick and they take a leg bye as the ball goes off the pads towards square leg. 

1.2: Chris Woakes to Devon Conway, Bowls this a fraction short and outside off, Devon Conway pulls this towards deep mid-wicket a picks up a couple of runs. 

1.1: Chris Woakes to Devon Conway, Chris Woakes bowls this on a good length and outside off, Devon Conway knocks this back towards the bowler. 

Chris Woakes to bowl from the other end.

0.6: Moeen Ali to Devon Conway, Induces an edge this time but there is no slip! Moeen Ali loops this full and outside off, Devon Conway gets a thick outside edge as he looks to block and they take a single as the ball goes to third man. 

0.5: Moeen Ali to Devon Conway, Flights this one full and outside the off stump, Devon Conway gets beaten by some extra bounce as the ball lofts up towards point. 

0.4: Moeen Ali to Devon Conway, This is fired in on a fuller length, Devon Conway looks to defend and gets an inside edge onto his back pad. 

0.3: Moeen Ali to Devon Conway, CLOSE CALL! Devon Conway just about manages to survive! Moeen Ali floats this one full and outside off from around the wicket. Devon Conway leans forward and drags his back leg out as he looks to push at the ball. The ball goes past the outside edge and Jos Buttler removes the bails off in a flash. They go upstairs to check and there in no spike on UltraEdge. The side angles show that Devon Conway gets his foot back just in time. 

0.2: Moeen Ali to Finn Allen, Another flighted delivery bowled full and outside the off stump, Finn Allen shimmies down the wicket and works this ball to long on for one. 

0.1: Moeen Ali to Finn Allen, Moeen Ali starts off with a full delivery outside off, Finn Allen clips this to deep mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a brace. 

We are back for the chase! The players are out in the middle. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the two openers for New Zealand. England going with spin straightaway as Moeen Ali is ready to bowl with the new ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, England have posted a decent total on the board and they have the bowling attack to defend it as well. New Zealand, on the other hand have found different match winners in this tournament, but to get to this total they will need to play as a unit. Will they be able to chase this down? Or will England defend and keep their hopes alive? Stay tuned for the second essay.

Alex Hales is up for a chat and he feels that they have a good score on the board as this is not typical Gabba wicket. Says that there is a little bit for the spinners. Admits that he felt out of touch in the last few games so it is good to contribute. Mentions that the plan was to negotiate the swing early and once it stopped they wanted to go after the bowling. Informs that the plan is to make them try and hit to the longer boundaries and bowls some change up with slower deliveries will be the key.

New Zealand, on the other hand could not replicate their bowling performance from their previous games. Their spinners, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi were economical but all of their pacers were taken to the cleaners. They will look back to those two dropped catches of Jos Buttler which could have made a huge difference. However, they pulled things back a bit in the last three overs and restrcited England under 180. Now, they have to come out to bat with a positive intent and play freely. They have the quality, but this is going to be a tough ask for them too.

England needed to step up and they did exactly that. Jos Buttler led from the front and Alex Hales showed his class. Both of them added 81 runs to the opening stand. Hales got out just after reaching to his fifty, but Buttler continued his domination over the Kiwi bowlers along with Liam Livingstone. Jos Buttler ended on 73 off just 47 balls and Liam Livingstone scored a quick-fire 20 as well. They have got to a good total and will be confident enough to defend it.

A very good batting display from England, and they have scored 179 runs against a quality bowling attack. However, they could have got 10-15 runs more as they were in a good position. It will not be an easy chase for New Zealand.

19.6: Lockie Ferguson to Dawid Malan, Some poor fielding in the deep! Lockie Ferguson continues attacking the stumps on a fuller length, Dawid Malan clips this towards deep mid-wicket and a misfield allows them to complete three runs. England have a decent total on the board but would have liked for some more. 

Dawid Malan walks out to bat now.

19.5: Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes, OUT! LBW! Lockie Ferguson gets rid of the dangerous Ben Stokes now! This is an outstanding yorker pitching in line with the stumps, Ben Stokes looks to flick this to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the back pad. The umpire raises his finger immediately and Ben Stokes starts to walk. At the last momemt he decides to review this and UltraEdge shows no inside edge while Ball Tracking has umpires call on wickets hitting. The onfield decision stands and England lose their sixth wicket. 

19.4: Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes, Lockie Ferguson nails the yorker and Ben Stokes can only dig this out towards deep mid-wicket but they run well for two runs. 

19.4: Lockie Ferguson to Sam Curran, NO BALL! The ball seems to have slipped out of the bowler's hand as he throws a beamer as the batter looks to paddle this fine. The keeper does not collect allowing an extra run and the umpire calls no ball with a free hit coming up. 

19.3: Lockie Ferguson to Sam Curran, SIX! Sam Curran has clobbered this! Lockie Ferguson goes full once again and outside off, Sam Curran connects this one well and deposits it into the deep mid-wicket boundary for a biggie. 

19.2: Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes, Bowls this on a yorker length and outside off, Ben Stokes gets an inside edge to fine leg and they take a run. 

19.1: Lockie Ferguson to Ben Stokes, Lockie Ferguson bowls this full and outside off, Ben Stokes gets across the stumps and heaves this to wide long on for two runs. 

Lockie Ferguson (3-0-30-1) to bowl the last over.

18.6: Tim Southee to Sam Curran, Continues bowling on a good length and angling down leg, Ben Stokes looks to make room and swing but misses. End of an outstanding over for New Zealand.

18.5: Tim Southee to Ben Stokes, This is on a good length and in line with the stumps, Ben Stokes clips this to mid-wicket and takes a single. 

Sam Curran is the new batter in for England.

18.4: Tim Southee to Ben Stokes, OUT! RUN OUT! New Zealand have the big wicket of Jos Buttler and have well and truly clawed their way back into this game! Tim Southee bowls this on a good length and outside off, Ben Stokes hits this to the cover fielder. Jos Buttler is looking for a single but is sent back as Kane Williamson collects the ball and throws it towards Tim Southee. He does well to take the bails off and replays show Jos Buttler is short of the crease. England are in some trouble here. 

18.3: Tim Southee to Ben Stokes, Tim Southee bowls this full on the pads, Ben Stokes clips this to deep backward square leg and they pick up a brace. 

Ben Stokes comes out to the middle now.

18.2: Tim Southee to Harry Brook, OUT! CAUGHT! Harry Brook's short stay at the wicket has come to an end here! Tim Southee bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps, Harry Brook tries to hit this across the line but only manages to sky this towards the long off fielder. Finn Allen judges the boundary rope well and takes a comfortable catch. England are losing wickets quickly here and are unable to get going. 

18.1: Tim Southee to Harry Brook, SIX! Harry Brook has just managed to get this over the ropes! Tim Southee bowls this full and outside off, Harry Brook flicks this over the cow corner boundary for a maximum. 

Tim Southee (3-0-34-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

17.6: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, A slower delivery bowled full and just outside the off pole, Jos Buttler is early into the shot and is beaten. 

17.5: Lockie Ferguson to Harry Brook, Lockie Ferguson continues bowling full and angles this into the pads, Harry Brook works this to mid on and takes a single to get off the mark. 

Harry Brook walks out to bat now.

17.4: Lockie Ferguson to Liam Livingstone, OUT! TIMBER! Lockie Ferguson gets his man! He attacks the stumps this time on a fuller length, Liam Livingstone attempts the same shot once again but this time misses and watches his stumps shattered. This is a good come back from Lockie Ferguson and England have lost their third wicket. 

17.3: Lockie Ferguson to Liam Livingstone, FOUR! Liam Livingstone has decided to use the pace instead of generating it! Lockie Ferguson bowls this full and just outside off, Liam Livingstone gets across the stumps and paddles this down to fine leg for four runs. 

17.2: Lockie Ferguson to Liam Livingstone, This is on a good length and angled into the batter, Liam Livingstone swings his bat but does not connect. 

17.1: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, Lockie Ferguson bowls a full delivery outside off, Jos Buttler strokes this towards cover and takes one. 

Lockie Ferguson comes back into the attack. He has conceded 24 runs in his two over.

16.6: Trent Boult to Liam Livingstone, Goes full once again and outside off, Liam Livingstone hits this in the air towards deep cover but the ball in the gap and they take two runs. 

16.5: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Full and in line with the stumps, Jos Buttler knocks this down to long on and takes an easy single. 

16.4: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, This is bowled full and outside the off pole, Jos Buttler does not connect this time and the goes through to the keeper. 

16.3: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, SIX! What a hit! This is has been dispatched with disdain! Trent Boult bowls a back-of-a-length delivery outside off, Jos Buttler stands tall and flat bats the ball over the bowler's head for a huge hit! The dropped catch is proving to be quite expensive for New Zealand. 

16.2: Trent Boult to Liam Livingstone, This is a fuller and outside off, Liam Livingstone hits this hard to cover and takes off for a single. The throw comes at the bowler's end but by the time Trent Boult whips the vails off the batter is in the crease. 

16.1: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Trent Boult bowls this back of a length and outside off, Jos Buttler cuts this to deep point for a single. 

15.6: Tim Southee to Liam Livingstone, This is full as well and just outside off, Liam Livingstone looks to clip this leg side but gets a leading edge just over mid off and they take two runs. 

15.5: Tim Southee to Liam Livingstone, SIX! Liam Livingstone connects this time and the ball goes far into the stands! Tim Southee bowls this a touch fuller and in Liam Livingstone's hitting arc. He swings hard at the ball and deposits it into the deep mid-wicket boundary for six runs. 

15.4: Tim Southee to Liam Livingstone, This is on a good length and angled into the stumps, Liam Livingstone swings at this but misses and the ball goes just over the stumps. 

15.3: Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, This is bowled on a shorter length and outside off, Jos Buttler initially shimmies forward then goes back and cuts the ball to deep point for a single. With that run, he becomes the highest scorer for England in T20I cricket.

15.2: Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, Aimed at the stumps on a fuller length, Jos Buttler clips this towards deep square leg and takes a couple of runs. 

15.1: Tim Southee to Liam Livingstone, Tim Southee bowls a full delivery in line with the stumps, Liam Livingstone knocks this down to long on for one. 

Tim Southee (2-0-22-0) is back on.

14.6: Trent Boult to Liam Livingstone, A slower bouncer this time and going down leg, Liam Livingstone mistimes his pull to fine leg and takes a single. 

14.5: Trent Boult to Liam Livingstone, Goes full and outside off, Liam Livingstone takes a wild swing at the ball but miscues it and gets a thick outside edge that lands in the vacant deep backward point region. The take two runs in the process. 

14.4: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, This is on a good length and pitching on leg, Jos Buttler punches this down to long on and takes one. 

14.4: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, WIDE! Trent Boult serves this wide outside the off pole and on a fuller length, Jos Buttler leaves this alone and the umpire calls this wide. 

14.3: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, FOUR! This has been slapped away! Trent Boult pulls his length back and bowls this in line with the stumps, Jos Buttler pulls this to deep backward square leg for four more runs. 

14.2: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jos Buttler has absolutely powered this to the boundary! Trent Boult bowls this full and just outside off, Jos Buttler gets his front foot out of the way and finds the straightish long on fence for four runs. 

14.1: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Trent Boult starts the over with a good-length delivery outside off, Jos Buttler cuts this to deep point and they run well to take two runs. 

13.6: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Another looped-up delivery bowled full and outside off, Jos Buttler mistimes his shot to long off and take one. That brings up his half-century and he will be looking to carry on from here.

13.5: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Tossed up once again outside off, Jos Buttler defends this towards cover. 

13.4: Ish Sodhi to Liam Livingstone, Flighted full and outside off, Liam Livingstone reaches for this and works it towards point for a single to get ff the mark. 

13.3: Ish Sodhi to Liam Livingstone, A bit short and on off, turning away, Liam Livingstone pushes it towards cover.

13.2: Ish Sodhi to Liam Livingstone, Tossed up, full and on off, Liam Livingstone leans on and blocks it out.

Liam Livingstone makes his way out to the middle and there is only one way he is going to play here.

13.1: Ish Sodhi to Moeen Ali, OUT! TAKEN! Moeen Ali tries to take on Ish Sodhi, but holes out this time. This is short and outside off, Moeen Ali reaches for it and tries to slog it over mid-wicket, but he fails to get the right connection and hits it straight up in the air wide of long on where Trent Boult settles under it and takes a good catch. The move to send Moeen Ali up the order did not work for England.

12.6: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, FOUR! What a shot! This is more like a tennis shot! Lockie Ferguson lands this short and on middle and leg, Jos Buttler slaps it hard and wide of long on for another boundary.

12.5: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jos Buttler is showing his class here! This is full and on middle, slower too, Jos Buttler waits for it and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

12.4: Lockie Ferguson to Moeen Ali, On a length and on leg, Moeen Ali tucks it through square leg for a single.

12.3: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, DROPPED! Oh..my! This could be costly for New Zealand! Lockie Ferguson bowls this short and on middle, Jos Buttler pulls it towards deep square leg where Daryl Mitchell drops a sitter. A single is taken.

12.2: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Powered away! Lockie Ferguson serves this full and around off, Jos Buttler gets his front leg out of the way and thrashes it over mid off for a boundary.

12.1: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, Swing and a miss! Lockie Ferguson bowls this on a good length and on middle, Jos Buttler goes for the big heave, but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps.

11.6: Ish Sodhi to Moeen Ali, Tossed up, outside off, turning in, Moeen Ali guides it towards point.

11.5: Ish Sodhi to Moeen Ali, Flatter delivery, short and on leg, Moeen Ali clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

11.4: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Shorter in length and on off, Jos Buttler punches it towards cover for a single.

11.3: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Innovative from Buttler! This is looped up, full and on off, Jos Buttler goes for the reverse sweep, but gets an top edge towards the vacant third man fence for a boundary.

11.2: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Tossed up, full and on leg, Jos Buttler goes for the slog but gets an inside edge towards deep square leg for a brace.

11.1: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, A googly, quicker and on middle, skidding through, Jos Buttler pushes it towards point.

10.6: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Floated, full and on off, Jos Buttler uses his feet and drills it towards long off for a single.

10.5: Mitchell Santner to Moeen Ali, This is wider outside off on a fuller length, Moeen Ali cross-bats this down to long off for a run. 

10.4: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Goes full and angles this into the stumps, Jos Buttler works this down to long off for one. 

10.3: Mitchell Santner to Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner bowls this slightly short outside off from over the wicket, Moeen Ali slaps this to deep point and opens his account with a single. 

Moeen Ali makes his way out at number 3.

10.2: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, OUT! STUMPED! Alex Hales tries to take on Mitchell Santner but throws his wicket away. Mitchell Santner bowls this slower through the air, on off, Alex Hales skips down the track to heave it across the line, but gets beaten on the flight an Devon Conway behind the stumps does the rest. England lose their first wicket. However, Alex Hales has done his job.

10.1: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, FOUR! FIFTY FOR HALES! Mitchell Santner bowls this quicker, short and on off, Alex Hales goes for the cut, but gets a outside edge towards the thrid man fence for a boundary. This has been an excellent knock from Hales and he will look to get on from here.

Drinks! England are in very good situation at the halfway stage and they have all the wickets in hand as well. Looking at their batting line-up, they will look to change their gears after the break and go absolutely berserk. New Zealand, on the other hand need wickets and they need it quickly or else they could be chasing a huge total. An exciting session of cricket awaits us.

9.6: Ish Sodhi to Alex Hales, Shorter ball, a googly now, around the off pole. Alex Hales makes room and pushes it towards cover for a run. He retains the strike. England are 77 for 0 at the halfway mark!

9.5: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Pulls his length back on this occasion, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler clips it towards mid-wicket and rotates the strike. 

9.4: Ish Sodhi to Alex Hales, Loopy one, fuller ball, outside off. Alex Hales leans in and drives it towards sweeper cover for a single. 

9.3: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Drops it short now, around middle and leg. Jos Buttler steps down the pitch and works it away towards mid-wicket for a single. 

9.2: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jos Buttler gets it right this time! Lovely shot! Pitches it up again, around middle. Jos Buttler reverse-sweeps it powerfully through backward point for a boundary. 

9.1: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Wrong'un now, on the pads, Jos Buttler nudges it towards the vacant mid-wicket region for a brace. 

8.6: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Pitched-up delivery, wide of off. Alex Hales presses forward and drives it towards sweeper cover for a brace. 

8.5: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, This one drifts in, back of a length, around middle. Jos Buttler miscues his reverse-sweep towards backward point for a run.

8.4: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Outside off, fuller ball, loopy one. Alex Hales drives it uppishly towards deep cover only for a single. 

8.3: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Play and a miss! Quicker now, at around 92 clicks, outside off, back of a length, Alex Hales looks to cut this one but he fails to get any bat on it.

8.2: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Mitchell Santner drops it short now, around middle and off, Alex Hales steps down the pitch and looks to flick this one but he gets a leading edge towards point. 

8.1: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Loopy one, spinning away, outside off, pitched up. Alex Hales prods forward and drives it through cover-point. Two taken!

Spin from both ends as Mitchell Santner (2-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.

7.6: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, A googly now, short ball, around middle. Jos Buttler looks to flick this one but the ball goes off the leading edge towards point. Another dot! Good start from Ish Sodhi!

7.5: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Quick, flatter one this time, shortish ball, around middle. Jos Buttler reverse-sweeps it towards the fielder ar point. No run there! 

7.4: Ish Sodhi to Alex Hales, Tosses it up, full in length, around off. Alex Hales pushes it towards long off for a run.

7.3: Ish Sodhi to Jos Buttler, Leg bye! Ish Sodhi bowls this around the leg pole, a back-of-a-length delivery, quick as well. Jos Buttler misses his flick and gets hit on his pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and the batters cross ends.

7.2: Ish Sodhi to Alex Hales, A touch short now, outside off. Alex Hales rocks back and dabs it towards cover-point for a quick single!

7.1: Ish Sodhi to Alex Hales, Ish Sodhi begins with a fuller one, outside off, spinning away. Alex Hales leans in and drives it to the fielder at cover. 

6.6: Lockie Ferguson to Alex Hales, This is on a good length as well and outside the off stump, Alex Hales pushes at the ball and gets an inside edge into the pads. The ball rolls towards point and they take a single. 

6.5: Lockie Ferguson to Alex Hales, This is on a good length and outside off, Alex Hales blocks this towards the cover-point fielder. 

6.4: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, This is a full as well and outside off, Jos Buttler knocks this to mid off and takes a quick run. 

6.3: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, SIX! That is a trademark Jos Buttler shot! Lockie Ferguson goes full and outside the off pole, Jos Buttler gets across the line of the stumps and scoops the ball to fine leg for a maximum.

6.2: Lockie Ferguson to Alex Hales, Delivers this one quick on a good length and angled into the stumps. Alex Hales tucks this towards square leg and takes a run. 

6.1: Lockie Ferguson to Jos Buttler, Lockie Ferguson bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump, Jos Buttler taps this towards cover-point and takes a single. 

5.6: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Another full delivery outside the off stump, Jos Buttler plays this with soft hands towards cover and takes a quick run. England are 48 for no loss after the Powerplay. 

5.5: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, This is outside the off stump on a fuller length, Alex Hales works this in the gap at cover-point and takes one. 

5.4: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Mitchell Santner fires this one quickly into the pads on a fuller length, Jos Buttler clips this ball to mid-wicket for single.

5.3: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Brilliant effort from Kane Williamson! Mitchell Santner bowls this short and outside off, Jos Buttler makes room and reaches for it. However, he loses his grip and slices it wide of extra cover where Kane Williamson dives to his left to attempt the catch. The umpires are not sure and sends it upstairs, but the soft signal is out. The replays shows that Kane Williamson took the catch, but as he hit the ground, the ball touches the ground as well. Jos Buttler survives!

5.2: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Quicker, short and on leg, Alex Hales flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

5.1: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, FOUR! Nice shot! Mitchell Santner bowls this short and on middle, Alex Hales moves back and pulls it towards the vacant deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

4.6: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, Back of a length and on off, Alex Hales forces it towards mid off for a single. 15 runs from the over!

4.5: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, A slower one now, on a length and on off, Alex Hales guides it towards point.

4.4: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, FOUR! Another one for Hales! Tim Southee continues with the shorter length and outside off, Alex Hales makes room again and cuts it over cover-point for another boundary.

4.3: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Tim Southee bowls this on a hard length and on off, Alex Hales makes room and smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.

4.2: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, On a length and on middle, Alex Hales goes for the big heave but misses as the ball goes under the bat and just over the stumps.

4.1: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, SIX! BANG! Alex Hales is taking charge here! This is on a hard length and on middle, Alex Hales stays in his crease and slaps it over the long on fence for a biggie.

3.6: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Shortish and on middle, Jos Buttler goes on his back foot and flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

3.5: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Flatter and quciker again, angling into the batter, Alex Hales looks to play at it but gets hit on the pads as the ball roll towards short third man. A leg bye is taken!

3.4: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Shorter in length and on off, angling in, Alex Hales moves back and pushes it towards cover.

3.3: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Darts this one down the leg, Alex Hales looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

3.2: Mitchell Santner to Alex Hales, Quicker one, short and on middle, Alex Hales knocks it towards mid on.

3.1: Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Mitchell Santner starts with a flatter delivery, on leg, angling in, Jos Buttler punches it towards mid off for a single.

2.6: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, FOUR! A boundary to end the over then! This is pitched up, on middle, slower too, Alex Hales stays there and lofts it towards the vacant long off fence for four runs.

2.5: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, Sharp bouncer! Trent Boult bangs in a short delivery, on middle and leg, Alex Hales ducks under it.

2.4: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, Good stuff from Boult! Alex Hales tries to make room by going to the leg side, and Trent Boult serves a full delivery, outeide off, Hales tries to reach it but he is too far away from the ball and misses.

2.3: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Full again and on middle, Jos Buttler plays it towards mid off for a single.

2.2: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Trent Boult serves this fuller and outside off again, angling away, Jos Buttler goes for the drive but gets beaten on the outside edge. There was a sound as the ball passes the bat, but no one appealed.

2.1: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Short of a length and outside off, angling away, Jos Buttler slashes hard at it but cannot connect.

1.6: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, Tim Southee bowls this a touch fuller, on off, Alex Hales tries to guide it towards third man but misses it completely.

1.5: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, This is back of a length and outside off, Alex Hales stays back and punches it past cover-point for a couple of runs.

1.4: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, FOUR! Solid from Hales! Tim Southee bowls this on a hard length and on middle, Alex Hales picks up the length early and pulls it from the front foot over mid-wicket for a boundary.

1.3: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, On a length and on off, Alex Hales steers it straight to short third man.

1.2: Tim Southee to Alex Hales, Goes a bit fuller and around off, shaping away, Alex Hales leaves it alone.

1.1: Tim Southee to Jos Buttler, Tim Southee starts with a good-length delivery, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it towards cover for a single.

Tim Southee will share the attack and bowl from the other end. 

0.6: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, This is pitched up, on off, Alex Hales drives it firmly through cover for a brace.

0.5: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, FOUR! A very lucky boundary for Hales! Trent Boult bowls this on a good length and on off, Alex Hales goes for the drive but gets an inside edge just past the leg stump towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. Hales gets off the mark!

0.4: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, Full again and on off, Alex Hales knocks it towards mid off.

0.3: Trent Boult to Alex Hales, Another inswinger from Boult! This is full and on leg, shaping in, Alex Hales looks to play at it but gets hit on the pads.

0.2: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Trent Boult serves this full and on leg, Jos Buttler ficks it with fine timing wide of deep mid-wicket where the fielder covers his ground and dives to the left to stop the boudnary. Three runs taken!

0.1: Trent Boult to Jos Buttler, Trent Boult starts with a good delivery! He bowls this on a hard length and on middle, swinging in, Jos Buttler gets a bit cramped and keeps it out to the leg side.

We are done with the pre-match formalities and the game is all set to get underway. The umpires have made their way out to the middle and the New Zealand fielders are taking their positions in the field. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler stride out to the middle and will open the inning for England. They will be hoping to get off to a good start but it will depend on how they handle Trent Boult who will begin proceedings with the new ball. Let's play...

We are moments away from the game, but before that, it is time for the national anthems. It will be New Zealand's national anthem first followed by England's national anthem.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand says that they would have batted as well, but they will adapt. Adds that they want to focus on their game and stick to their plans. Mentions that they will have to use the new ball well and it is going to be a good contest. Tells that they try to pick the team according to the conditions and opposition, but for this game they are unchanged.

Jos Buttler, the skipper of England says that they would fancy a bat first as it is a used wicket. Claims that whatever they do they want to do well and these kinds of game are what they look forward to. Mentions that they have dangerous players in their side and they are raring to go.  Informs they have no changes. Adds that they want to give the players time and an extra batter in the lineup gives them more solidity.

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

England (Unchanged Playing XI) - Jos Buttler (C) (WK), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid. 

TOSS - The coin goes up in the air and lands in favour of England. They have elected to BAT first.