Santner, Taylor shine as Kiwis defeat England

Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor's stunning hundred and Mitch Santner's last-minute fireworks helped New Zealand script a three-wicket victory over England in the first ODI of the five-match series in Hamilton here on Sunday. Coming in to bat first, the visitors set a 284-run target for the loss of five wickets, which the Black Caps achieved with four balls to spare. The match was in a dwindling situation but Santner's 45 off 27 balls swung and a six in the final dropped the ball to the hosts' court.

New Zealand were on 27 in the first ten overs after losing three quick wickets. It was Taylor, who brought the hosts back on track with his 113-run innings. He was well supported by wicket-keeper-batsman Tom Latham, as the two stitched 178 runs together for the fourth wicket before Ben Stokes stepped up to remove Latham for 79. Taylor smashed his 18th century before being dismissed by Adil Rashid.

Santner then hit rapid two fours and four sixes to get New Zealand home. For England, Joe Root and Jos Buttler hit 71 and 79 runs respectively while opener Jason Roy fell a run short of half-century. Meanwhile, Stokes who was making his international comeback since a nightclub incident five months ago managed only 12 runs. The all-rounder, however, claimed two wickets for his side.

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