6:25pm A tight match ends in New Zealand's favour. It was cold and gloomy all day and the cricket was a bit iffy as well, but a low-scoring affair has gone New Zealand's way. They win by 22 runs. Congrats to them.
Where to begin? Paul Collingwood had little hesitation inserting the opposition, after which England's seamers nipped four wickets inside the first two Powerplays. Further damage was inflicted but Grant Elliott, in his second game, dug deep to score a maiden fifty. There was also Kyle Mills' swashbuckling 40-ball 47, a career-best effort, which proved so crucial in he end.
Chasing 183, England's chase never got off the blocks. Mills bowled tidy, accurate swing to dismiss Luke Wright in the first over and got Kevin Pietersen chipping to midwicket. Then came perhaps the most crucial passage after Ravi Bopara threatened, with Tim Southee taking three wickets for the addition of two runs. England's middle order was rattled, and though Collingwood held fort for a long time, a brace of wickets snuffed out the chase.
Stick around as we await the post-match proceedings.
Collingwood first, and he's obviously disappointed. Hopes England get their heads up and win the next one at The Oval. He's pretty deadpan, is Collingwood. Doesn't seem he wants to answer Atherton's questions. Finishes off by saying he knew New Zealand would fight back.
Next up is a pleased Vettori, who says his side have taken a lot of confidence. Believes they are alive in the series. After a poor last few weeks he says this means a lot to New Zealand. Credits Mills and Southee and Elliott for their contributions.
Last but not least, the Man-of-the-Match award goes to Mills. Good for him. A solid win for New Zealand and thats good to see.
Thats all we have for you today, folks, but do come back and join us for game four on June 25, at The Oval. For now, on behalf of Jenny, this is Jamie Alter signing off. Cheers!
CT Tremlett c Vettori b Elliott 3 (15m 15b 0x4 0x6) SR: 20.00
New Zealand need one wicket to level the series. Elliott continues to Tremlett.
END OF OVER:46 | 3 Runs 1 Wkt | ENG: 160/9 (23 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 3.47, RRR: 5.75)
- James Anderson0 (1b)
- Chris Tremlett3 (13b)
- Daniel Vettori9-1-32-1
- Grant Elliott5-2-9-1
Broad's quality innings ends and the last man, Anderson, is at the crease. Tension, tension ...
SCJ Broad c †Hopkins b Vettori 17 (42m 30b 0x4 0x6) SR: 56.66
Broad is the key for England, Vettori a crafty bowler ...
END OF OVER:45 | 1 Run | ENG: 157/8 (26 runs required from 30 balls, RR: 3.48, RRR: 5.20)
- Chris Tremlett1 (10b)
- Stuart Broad16 (28b)
- Grant Elliott5-2-9-1
- Daniel Vettori8-1-29-0
Tremlett keeps strike, probably what New Zealand want.