Opener Dawid Malan delivered a splendid century, while Moeen Ali showcased his bowling prowess with a four-wicket haul, leading England to a convincing 100-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth one-day international on Friday, securing a 3-1 series triumph.
Malan’s outstanding innings saw him compile 127 runs from 114 balls, featuring 14 boundaries and three maximums. His performance provided a solid foundation as England posted a formidable total of 311-9 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Jos Buttler’s decision to bat after winning the toss at Lord’s proved fruitful.
New Zealand, needing a win to avoid a series loss in the ODI series, faced early adversity as opener Devon Conway fell inexpensively, courtesy of a brilliant run-out executed by Buttler.
Although Henry Nicholls (41) briefly revived New Zealand’s hopes, Moeen’s incisive bowling dismissed him and thwarted any potential threat. Moeen was on the brink of a hat-trick but narrowly missed out, ultimately finishing with impressive figures of 4-50.
All-rounder Rachin Ravindra was the top scorer for New Zealand, valiantly battling on until the end with a resilient 61 runs from 48 balls. However, his resistance was brought to an end by Sam Curran’s exceptional yorker.
New Zealand found themselves one batsman short when their innings concluded at 211 in the 39th over, as Tim Southee had suffered a fractured thumb while fielding.
“When you’re faced with those challenges (injuries), it’s important for guys to step up. Southee’s in good spirits. He’ll be assessed further to see how he is. Fingers crossed,” New Zealand captain Tom Latham said.
Earlier, Malan was the cornerstone of England’s innings and was involved in three significant partnerships.
He added 79 runs with Joe Root (29), 56 with Jos Buttler (36) and 48 with Liam Livingstone (28), before departing on 127 when he nicked a Ravindra delivery into Latham’s gloves.
“Good run, especially scoring some runs here at the home of cricket and leading into a World Cup. It was a bit slow, when they built pressure I found it hard to score,” Malan said.
“But we built partnerships and got up to 300, which it what we were aiming for… Trying to break into this team, you either have to be a freak or being consistent, and that’s what I’ve tried to do, put match-winning performances on the board.”
Captain Buttler said of the series: “We got better and better. We wanted to play our style of cricket and we were true to that. We had to get off to a good start with the ball and we did that.”
Butler said his team were in a good position for the World Cup.
“We’re building nicely to go there and win. It’s an exciting time.”
Ravindra was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, claiming the wickets of Malan, Root, Harry Brook and Moeen to limit the damage.
England’s victory will give them a boost ahead of their World Cup title defence. Buttler’s side next take on Ireland, while New Zealand face Bangladesh.
The teams will then meet in the opening match of the 50-overs World Cup in India on Oct. 5.
(With inputs from Reuters)
