NZ end England tour on sour note

AFP, MANCHESTER: England set themselves up for the Ashes by ensuring New Zealand’s tour ended in a comprehensive defeat as they thrashed the Black Caps by 56 runs in the lone Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
New Zealand, set 192 for victory, collapsed to 135 all out as they lost their last five wickets for four runs in 12 balls. For England, it was the ideal way to sign off ahead of the Ashes after they had shared the two Test series 1-1 and defeated New Zealand, who humiliated them en route to the World Cup final, 3-2 in a thrilling one-day international series.
The first Test against Australia starts in Cardiff on July 8.
Tuesday saw left-arm paceman David Willey (three for 22) and fast bowler Mark Wood (three for 26) mark their England debuts at this level in style.
England’s Joe Root was named man-of-the-match for his 68 in the hosts’ 191 for seven.
New Zealand were 101 for five at the half-way stage but then collapsed in spectacular fashion as England won with 22 balls to spare.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson top-scored for the Black Caps with a typically elegant 57 but his side’s hopes of victory effectively ended in a 15th over where they lost three wickets.
Mitchell Santner was bowled by Wood and, two balls later, Williamson was run out by Willey’s brilliant direct hit, one-handed pick-up and throw from cover.

NZ end England tour on sour note

AFP, MANCHESTER: England set themselves up for the Ashes by ensuring New Zealands tour ended in a comprehensive defeat as they thrashed the Black Caps by 56 runs in the lone Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Tuesday. New Zealand, set 192 for victory, collapsed to 135 all out as they lost their last five wickets for four runs in 12 balls. For England, it was the ideal way to sign off ahead of the Ashes after they had shared the two Test series 1-1 and defeated New Zealand, who humiliated them en route to the World Cup final, 3-2 in a thrilling one-day international series. The first Test against Australia starts in Cardiff on July 8. Tuesday saw left-arm paceman David Willey (three for 22) and fast bowler Mark Wood (three for 26) mark their England debuts at this level in style. Englands Joe Root was named man-of-the-match for his 68 in the hosts 191 for seven. New Zealand were 101 for five at the half-way stage but then collapsed in spectacular fashion as England won with 22 balls to spare. New Zealands Kane Williamson top-scored for the Black Caps with a typically elegant 57 but his sides hopes of victory effectively ended in a 15th over where they lost three wickets. Mitchell Santner was bowled by Wood and, two balls later, Williamson was run out by Willeys brilliant direct hit, one-handed pick-up and throw from cover.