Stokes hits 62, Eng level NZ ODI series
Ben Stokes shook off any rust following an enforced break with his 11th ODI half century as he guided England to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the second game of their five-match series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday.
Stokes only made his return to international cricket in the first match in Hamilton on Sunday after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last September led to him being charged with affray and being stood down by selectors. He entered a plea of not guilty on Feb. 13.
He scored 63 not out and combined with captain Eoin Morgan (62) in an 88-run partnership as the visitors cantered to 225 for four in 37.5 overs to level the series at 1-1. Jos Buttler finished 36 not out. Stokes also claimed two wickets and was responsible for one of New Zealand’s four runouts as the hosts were bowled out for 223. The total, however, was never enough for the powerful England batting lineup even if Jason Roy and Joe Root both failed to get into double figures.
Morgan, who was dropped on 27 by wicketkeeper Tom Latham and then Henry Nicholls at midwicket on 40, brought up his 35th half century before he hit a return catch to Colin Munro.
Brief scores: New Zealand 223 (M Guptill 50, M Santner n.o 63). England 225/4 in 37.5 overs (E Morgan 62, B Stokes n.o 63). England win by six wickets.