NZ beats England after rain in World T20
CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (AP) — New Zealand beat England by nine runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method after rain disrupted their World Twenty20 opener on Saturday.
New Zealand was 52-1 in 5.2 overs when rain stopped play, ahead on run rate in response to England's 172-6.
The toss was a good one to win by New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who sent England into bat first, knowing rain in the forecast made the reply easier.
McCullum attacked his England counterpart Stuart Broad, blasting two sixes and one four. Those 16 runs in Broad's over proved to be key in deciding the match's fate after rain arrived, heralded by lightning.
Kane Williamson was 24 not out, and fellow opener Martin Guptill was the only batsman out on 11, snagged by Jade Dernbach.
For England, Moeen Ali top-scored with 36 off 23, hitting six fours and one six. Opener Michael Lumb scored 33 off 24, including four fours and one six.
Moeen Ali and Lumb added 72 after Kyle Mills struck with the third ball to dismiss Alex Hales for a duck.
Jos Buttler added 32.
Ravi Bopara paced the innings at the death, contributing 24 not out. He was ably supported by Tim Bresnan, who struck 17 off 8 balls.
Corey Anderson was the pick of the New Zealand battery with 2-32, while Mitchell McClenaghan, Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullum and Tim Southee picked up one wicket apiece.
