England have beaten New Zealand by three wickets under Duckworth-Lewis to win a pulsating five-match ODI series 3-2.
In a series that witnessed 3,151 runs, this game at Durham was much more bowler-friendly.
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New Zealand posted a modest 283/9 in their 50 overs, with Martin Guptill topscoring on 67.
Guptill’s innings was ended as Jonny Bairstow took a smart catch off the bowling of Ben Stokes.
Bairstow, who was only playing due to an injury to Jos Buttler, took home the man-of-the match award, after smashing England over the line in a dramatic run chase.
Rain in the interval meant that England’s target was reduced to 192 in 26 overs.
The chase began horrifically, as Guptill got rid of Alex Hales with a stunning catch.
Joe Root then followed Hales back to the pavilion, after recklessness allowed Luke Ronchi to stump him.
More over-exuberance saw England falter to 45/5 at the start of the ninth over, before an excellent partnership between Bairstow and Sam Billings got the hosts back into the contest.
Billings departed for 41 off 30, but Bairstow stayed to the end, hitting 83 off 60, including this game-sealing two, which was delivered with an over to spare.
However, the series could have ended very differently had Bairstow not been clumsily dropped on 56 by Mitchell Santner, who will not enjoy watching this back.
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