England took control of the three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand with a comprehensive 65-run victory at Christchurch\u2019s Hagley Oval last night.<\/p>\n
A captain\u2019s knock of 78 off 35 balls from Harry Brook and 85 off 56 balls from opener Phil Salt laid the foundation for England\u2019s 246-4, a record T20I score at the venue.<\/p>\n
In reply, the Black Caps were dismissed for 171 with two overs to spare. Tim Seifert was New Zealand\u2019s best, with 39 from 29 balls. Captain Mitchell Santner made a quickfire 39 from 15 deliveries, including hitting 23 runs from Liam Dawson\u2019s final over.<\/p>\n
Spinner Adil Rashid, who finished with figures of 4-32, did most of the damage for England.<\/p>\n
The result brought to an end a miserable couple of nights for New Zealand, who saw their first game at Hagley Oval on Saturday night <\/a>rained off after England were restricted to 136-6 at the halfway point.<\/p>\n It means England cannot lose the series \u2013 the final game is at Eden Park tomorrow night. Rain showers are again expected.<\/p>\n New Zealand lost their recent Twenty20 series 2-0 to Australia.<\/p>\n