England gets seven-wicket victory against New Zealand

James Vince ensured England began their winter tour of New Zealand on a high with a seven-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 in Christchurch.

Vince struck a fine 59 off 38 balls as England overhauled a target of 154 with nine balls to spare in Chris Silverwood's first game as head coach.

Ross Taylor made 44 in New Zealand's 153-5, with Chris Jordan taking 2-28 and debutant Pat Brown 1-30.

The second game of the five-match series is in Wellington on Sunday.

England, who have rested several first-choice players, made the most of winning the toss, with New Zealand unable to find any fluency with the bat.

Although New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner impressed with 3-23, England were always in control of what proved to be a simple run chase.

Vince has been a source of frustration throughout his international career, often criticised for making attractive starts but not converting them into match-winning scores.

With key players such as Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler missing the T20 series, Vince is among those given a chance to impress before next year's T20 World Cup in Australia.

He arrived with England 37-1, after an out-of-sorts Dawid Malan was caught at third man, and looked sharp, driving crisply and offering support to a set Jonny Bairstow.

Vince reached his maiden T20 international half-century from 33 balls and looked as though he would lead England home as he hit strike bowler Tim Southee for a towering straight six in the 15th over.

Source: Agencies

 

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