Trans-Tasman T20I Tri-Series, 2018: England vs New Zealand, 4th match, 5 talking points

#1 Alex Hales, Dawid Malan fight back but cannot push England over the line

Dawid Malan fought back for England in the run chase

Alex Hales and Dawid Malan hit back in the run chase for England, forging a 65 run partnership that helped the visitors off to a sprightly start. Hales seemed to have hit his straps, smashing Boult for two fours and as many sixes in the same over before he fell to a half-tracker from Ish Sodhi just short of his half-century.

Malan carried on in the same vein, manipulating the field smartly and holding together a faltering middle-order. The southpaw's 59 came in 40 balls before Mitchell Santner sent him back as the chase tightened. Trent Boult then landed two perfect yorkers to account for Jordan and Plunkett and seal the game for the Kiwis.