2nd ODI: Cook, Anderson anchor England to 8-wicket win

Tourists level one-day series with New Zealand in Napier.

NAPIER: Alastair Cook’s patient knock of 78 anchored a well-executed England run chase of 270 to beat New Zealand by eight wickets in the second One-Day International (ODI) at McLean Park, levelling the three-match series at 1-1 yesterday.

England’s bowlers, particularly James Anderson with a five-wicket hall, had done a superb job to dismiss New Zealand for 269 in 48.5 overs.

Joe Root (79*) then picked up from where Cook left off when the captain was dismissed by Tim Southee, while Jonathan Trott finished on 65 not out as England easily chased down the total for the loss of two wickets in 47.4 overs.

“I thought the way we bowled up front was outstanding,” said Cook. “Steve Finn and James Anderson bowled really well and we gave them nothing, took some wickets and put them under pressure.

“We knew that 270 was below par on that wicket and that if we kept our heads while batting, and kept wickets in hand then, as it proved, it was quite an easy chase.”

England will now face the hosts in the series decider at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2013.