New Zealand v England 1996-97

At Auckland, March 2. New Zealand won by nine runs. Toss: England. After rain washed out play on the scheduled Saturday, New Zealand finally won a game, thanks to their medium-pacers, and despite a brave attempt by the one-handed Knight to see his team through. Bowling on a damp pitch - the match was reduced to 43 overs by furhter rain - England looked set to clinch the series when they took their hosts' last eight for just 40, with Croft, in particular, inducing false shots and crazy single-calling. Then Knight was hit by Davis' first ball and retired with a triple fracture of his left index finger. New Zealand defended their small total in tigerish fashion. Davis and Allott made inroads, but it was Astle who claimed the key wicket when he defeated Stewart's attempted clip to leg. Knight returned at the end of the 40th over, but faced only one ball as Silverwood hit 11 from eight at the other end, before being caught close to the fence, trying to drive Larsen for six.