New Zealand v England

At Christchurch, February 13 (day/night). New Zealand won by four wickets. Toss: England. International debut: I. G. Butler.

A match of two collapses eventually went the way of New Zealand, who weathered a stormy spell from Gough to halt a run of five one-day defeats. In a game reduced to 42 overs a side by heavy overnight rain, New Zealand, needing 197, were cruising at 136 for two from 28 overs. But Gough seized four wickets for eight in 11 balls, three of them on 144, and New Zealand were indebted to a fearless unbroken fifty partnership between Astle, badly dropped by Foster on 11, and the explosive Adams. England's collapse had been even more abrupt. At 156 for two in the 27th over, they were heading for 250, but when Tuffey removed Knight for a 70-ball 73, it was the first of eight wickets to fall for 40 in less than 14 overs. England hit the ball in the air too often, and New Zealand's catching was razor-sharp, epitomised by Vincent's diving one-handed swoop at cover to dismiss Flintoff.

Man of the Match: N. J. Astle.