New Zealand take ODI series lead with three-wicket victory over England

New Zealand take series lead

New Zealand have taken a 2-1 lead in the one-day international series with England by coming out on top in today's contest at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Hosts England won the toss this morning, opting to bat, and they were going along very strongly thanks to some big scores from the middle-order trio of Joe Root (54), Eoin Morgan (71) and Ben Stokes (68).

However, their innings came to an abrupt half as they lost their last five wickets for just 14 runs to be bowled out for 302 with 28 balls to spare.

New Zealand paceman Ben Wheeler took three wickets in his first international and there was joy for fellow bowler David Willey, who took his first wicket at ODI level for England by trapping Martin Guptill lbw for just two.

Mark Wood got Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum (11) the same way soon after, but Kane Williamson (118) and Ross Taylor (110) then stole the show for the tourists.

The pair put on 205 together at the crease - a New Zealand record third-wicket partnership and the highest third-wicket partnership ever against England.

Willey was able to remove both men in the closing stages, but the damage had already been done and New Zealand came home with an over to spare as Tim Southee hit the winning runs.

New Zealand can wrap up the five-match series if they win the fourth ODI at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

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