England secured a comfortable victory over New Zealand to level the series.
England have won the second ODI against New Zealand in Napier by eight wickets. The Kiwis managed 269 all-out after just under 49 overs. Ross Taylor scored a century for the home side, while Brendon McCullum was once again useful with the bat, making 74 from 36 balls.
James Anderson was the stand-out bowling performer, on the back of becoming England’s highest ever wicket taker on Sunday, claiming five New Zealand wickets for 34 runs. Chris Woakes chipped in with three wickets, but Stuart Broad struggled as he was hit all over the park by McCullum for his figures of 1-69.
In reply England started strongly, racing to 89 before Ian Bell was their first victim, out for 44. Alastair Cook was joined by Jonathan Trott at the crease and the pair moved on to 149. The returning Kiwi bowler Tim Southee claimed Cook’s wicket, after a soft shot from the England captain gave Southee an easy caught and bowled.
However, Joe Root walked to the middle and with another solid batting performance, ensured three of England’s top four batsmen reached half-centuries. Root made his intention known with some big hitting, knocking the New Zealand bowlers for two sixes and seven fours to achieve his unbeaten 79 not-out.
The touring side reached their target of 270 with 14 balls to spare, as Root and Trott confidently made sure the ODI series was levelled at 1-1. The third and final match to decide the series starts in Auckland on Saturday.
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