England beat New Zealand by 56 runs in a one-off Twenty20 international on Tuesday, adding to the feel-good factor surrounding its team ahead of the Ashes and denying the Black Caps a farewell victory on their tour.
Protecting a score of 191-7 underpinned by Joe Root’s 68 from 46 balls, England dismissed New Zealand for 135 in 16.2 overs on a balmy evening at Old Trafford after taking the last five wickets for four runs.
The Kiwis started the chase ahead of the required run rate of 9.55. But Kane Williamson (57) ran out of partners before becoming one of three batsmen to depart over four balls in the 15th over.
That plunged New Zealand to 131-8 and David Willey (3-22) took the final two wickets in successive deliveries.
