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Last-ball win gives Kiwis 2-1 lead in series against England

New Zealand snatched a dramatic last-ball victory against England in the fourth ODI at The Oval to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Replying to England’s moderate score of 245, the Kiwis sealed the victory in the final ball finishing with 246 for 9. The match was marred by a controversy, when the Kiwi batsman Grant Elliott was given out in spite of being injured in a collision with England bowler Ryan Sidebottom. The New Zealand camp looked in disbelief as England did not withdraw their appeal although the umpire, Mark Benson, gave England skipper Paul Collingwood the chance to think again.


Chasing 246 for victory, New Zealand were soon in trouble losing two of their best hitters, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor, cheaply. But Jamie How and Scott Styris brought them back into the game adding 59 for the 3rd wicket. While How made 37, Styris survived three chances before being run out for 69. Jacob Oram, Elliott and Kyle Mills made useful contributions and the Kiwis needed two off the last ball. Mark Gillespie took a single and New Zealand won the match when the return missed the stumps and an overthrow resulted.

 

Earlier, England made a moderate 245 thanks to a swashbuckling 63 by Owais Shah off 71 deliveries and an excellent 58 from Ravi Bopara. Opener Ian Bell also made a useful 46 but Kevin Pietersen disappointed when he was out without scoring. Tim Southee was the most successful bowler taking three wickets.

 

The Elliott incident created such resentment among the Kiwi players that they refused to shake hands with the England players after the match.

 

Brief scores: New Zealand 246 for 9 (Styris 69, Oram 38); England 245 (Shah 63, Bopara 58, Bell 46; Southee 3/47). New Zealand won by one wicket.

 
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