Chester-le-Street - Arab Today
Jonny Bairstow proved the ideal stand as he guided England to a series-clinching victory over New Zealand in the fifth one-day international at the Riverside on Saturday.
Bairstow, only playing after first-choice wicket-keeper Jos Buttler was injured on Friday, made 83 not out as England, chasing a revised target of 192 in 26 overs, finished on 192 for seven with six balls to spare.
England's three-wicket win under the Duckworth/Lewis method saw them clinch the five-match series 3-2.
They had been in dire straits at 45 for five before a stand of 80 between Bairstow and Sam Billings (41) revived their victory hopes.
Adil Rashid finished 12 not out, having helped Yorkshire team-mate Bairstow add an unbroken 54 for the eighth wicket.
Earlier, New Zealand made 383 for nine in their full 50 overs after losing the toss.
Martin Guptill top-scored with 67, Kane Williamson made exactly 50 and Ben Wheeler bolstered the total with a quickfire 39 not out.
All-rounder Ben Stokes took three for 52 on his Durham home ground and leg-spinner Rashid two for 45.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 283-9, 50 overs (M Guptill 67, K Williamson 50; B Stokes 3-52)
England 192-7, 25 overs (J Bairstow 83 no; M Santner 3-31)
Result: England won by three wickets (D/L method)
Series: England win five-match series 3-2.
Source: AFP