England restrict New Zealand to 148/6
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Pacer Steven Finn achieved his best figures in the ICC World Twenty20 with an economical three-wicket haul as England's disciplined bowlers restricted New Zealand to a modest 148 for six in their Group 1 Super Eight match here on Saturday.
James Franklin, with an useful 50 off 33 balls, and captain Ross Taylor (28), were the only New Zealand batsmen who played responsible innings.
Franklin along with Taylor put on a 40-run stand for the fifth wicket, before he partnered Nathan McCullum (10-ball 16 not out) to add another 39 runs for the sixth wicket to help the Black Caps reach the fighting total.
New Zealand captain Ross Taylor's decision to bat first backfired as Finn dismissed opener Martin Guptill (5) in the second over of the match, followed by the wicket of in-form Brendon McCullum (10) in his next over.
Rob Nicol (11) and Kane Williamson (17) also had a brief stay at the crease as Graeme Swann (1/20) and Danny Briggs (1/36) chipped in with wicket apiece to leave the Kiwis reeling at 67 for four in 11.4 overs.
Finn ended with three for 16 from his four overs.
Although Taylor and Franklin could consolidate the Kiwi innings a bit but they failed to up the ante, even as the English bowlers tightened the noose.
Both the batsmen found it difficult to get the big shots going and concentrated on taking singles. It was only Franklin, who could occasionally clear the boundary.
Finn then returned for his second spell and straightaway sent Taylor back for a 23-ball 22, which was laced with two boundaries.
Franklin, however, stood his ground and kept the scoreboard ticking. He hit a four and a six off two consecutive balls of a Tim Bresnan's over to release some of the pressure.
Nathan McCullum also took his chance as he went on to hit two sixes off Stuart Broad's over.
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