Buttler and Rashid lead England to warm-up win over NZ
Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid starred in England’s final warm-up before beginning their T20 World Cup campaign this weekend as they defeated New Zealand by 13 runs in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
Buttler’s 73 from 51 balls contained 11 fours and two sixes, just three days before England’s tournament opener against the West Indies, while there were pleasing cameos from Jonny Bairstow (30) and Sam Billings (27 not out).
England’s 163 for six looked to be in peril as Martin Guptill crashed two sixes in the first over of the chase, but Rashid’s introduction turned the tide and his three for 18 helped to skittle New Zealand for 150 in 19.2 overs.
Left-arm quick Tymal Mills, who was back in an England shirt for the first time in four years, was wicketless but economical in conceding 23 runs in his four overs in this 12-a-side contest, while fellow fast bowler Mark Wood pushed his case for selection on Saturday with four for 23 at the Tolerance Oval.
Eoin Morgan returned to the side after sitting out Monday’s practice defeat against India and his lean run of form continued as he made 10 before receiving a debatable lbw decision after trying a reverse sweep off Ish Sodhi.
Dawid Malan had earlier departed in identical fashion and concerns persist over whether he is suited to batting in the powerplay after chewing up 15 balls in reaching 11, but England did not get too bogged down thanks to Buttler.
After Jason Roy was bowled first-ball by Tim Southee, Buttler peppered the boundary rope before holing out to 6ft 8in fielder Kyle Jamieson at long-on as he attempted a second six in the over off Sodhi. Liam Livingstone added just one, while Bairstow looked in supreme touch before Billings accelerated England past 150.
Livingstone’s spin was given an airing at the outset of the reply, with Guptill starting and ending the over with towering sixes, but a platform of 81 for two in the ninth over became 87 for six within the space of 11 balls. From 103 for nine, last-wicket pair Sodhi and Todd Astle got the equation down to 15 needed off the last over, but Chris Woakes sealed the win.