Collapse by England as Kiwis win by three wickets

New Zealands Kane Williamson hits out on his way to a century at The Ageas Bowl. Picture: AFP/Getty

The hosts posted more than 300 for the third successive time, a sequence they have never previously achieved in one-day internationals, but in omitting to also use up their overs England were all out for 302 in 45.2.

It meant they were vulnerable to a New Zealand counter-punch which was expertly delivered in a national-record third-wicket stand of 206.

As at the Oval two days ago when they put on 121 together, Williamson (118) and Taylor (110) took few chances as they dominated a chase eventually completed with an over to spare.

Taylor had some luck on his side en route to his second century in three days, and Williamson was pure class – although he too was badly dropped at mid-off on 109 by Mark Wood off David Willey on a day England would doubtless by then like to have started again.

Their batsmen kept swinging, in accordance with their new commitment to attack at all costs, and half-centuries from Joe Root (54), Eoin Morgan (71) and Ben Stokes (68) gave them substance – before they lost their last five wickets for 14 runs.

Batting was a hazardous pursuit initially, albeit one Morgan had opted for under cloud cover.

Alex Hales edged debutant Ben Wheeler (three for 63) to second slip, and then without addition Jason Roy missed an unsightly drive to be bowled by Tim Southee (three for 44).

But Root and Morgan put on a breezy century stand.

Root went unluckily, bowled off his pads after advancing to Mitchell Santner.

Then Morgan could not cash in a century and was bowled, sweeping at Williamson.

England still appeared to have the perfect platform at 194 for four with 17 overs remaining and – for New Zealand – the alarming sight of Jos Buttler walking in to join Stokes.

Buttler was to be just a bit-part player this time, edging a wide one from Southee behind.

Stokes was in full flow, though, and soon Sam Billings too. At his third attempt, the Kent batsman proved himself no impostor in England’s brave new world. His 34 off 16 balls, in a stand of 61 off 34, was as contemporary as you can get with a series of ramps over his left shoulder among his six fours.

But after he was caught at short third-man, Adil Rashid steered a catch to point first ball and Stokes was bowled heaving at Wheeler’s last delivery, England had only two wickets left for the last six overs.

They were soon gone too, and the only passing consolation was that the Kiwis would still need more than six-an-over to prevail.

England made no secret before the start of this series of their willingness to learn from the modern ODI example set by New Zealand.

They could do worse than review Williamson’s methods, when they have time.