Black Caps impressive as T20 series drawn

Tim Seifert of New Zealand batting
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Black Caps have won the fourth T20 international against England in Nottingham by six wickets to draw the series.

Chasing 176 for victory, New Zealand reached their target with 16 balls to spare.

The win was set up by the three New Zealand spinners and some bright batting from Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman.

The series finished 2-2.

After deciding to bat first the homeside reached 175 for eight.

Opener Jonny Bairstow tore into the Black Caps bowling attack hitting 73 off 41 balls including five fours and six sixes.

Dawid Malan and Liam Livingston both made 26.

The three New Zealand spinners came into their own in the later part of the innings with Mitchell Santner taking three for 30, Ish Sodhi two for 21 and Rachin Ravindra one for 17.

In reply Finn Allen hit three fours but was out for 16 in the second over.

Seifert then took over hitting 48 off 32 balls, Phillips hit 42 off 25 balls and Mark Chapman hit an unbeaten 40 off 25 balls.

Santner was named player of the game.

After two convincing losses to open the series, the Black Caps fought back with two impressive wins of their own.

The two sides now play four ODI’s with the first in Cardiff on Saturday morning.