England thrash NZ in Twenty20 decider

Openers Hales, Lumb hand tourists 10-wicket win.

WELLINGTON: Alex Hales produced a batting masterclass as England dominated New Zealand with both bat and ball to race to a 10-wicket win in the T20 series decider in Wellington yesterday.

Stung by a heavy loss in the second match in Hamilton on Tuesday, England bounced back to restrict New Zealand to 139 for eight after sending the home team into bat, with Stuart Broad and Jade Dernbach bagging three wickets apiece.

Hales and fellow opener Michael Lumb then dismantled the New Zealand attack to overhaul the 140-run target in just 12.4 overs in front of a stunned Wellington crowd.

Hales scored 80 off 42 balls, including four sixes and nine fours, while Lumb notched 53 off 34 deliveries, sending the ball onto the roof of Westpac Stadium to bring up the runs with his fifth six of the night.

“I’m delighted we could put on a display like that,” said Broad. “The bowlers were fantastic then the batsman entertained. We’ve played hard-fought cricket.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2013.