England secured a resounding 100-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth one-day international, clinching a confidence-boosting 3-1 series win just before they embark on their World Cup title defense.
Jos Buttler’s strong squad owes their success to opener Dawid Malan, who struck a spectacular 127 runs from 114 balls, helping his team post a total of 311-9 in 50 overs at a sun-soaked Lord’s.
New Zealand, who had suffered a sad defeat to England in the 2019 World Cup final at the same stadium, encountered severe difficulties in their run chase and were finally bowled out for just 211 runs in 38.2 overs.
Both teams were missing several key players, making this contest a dress rehearsal for the opening game of the World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 5.
England’s total seemed doable, but Buttler’s stunning direct hit resulted in the run-out of Devon Conway, and David Willey had Will Young caught behind for 24.
The visiting team found themselves struggling at 52-3 when paceman Brydon Carse knocked out Daryl Mitchell with only his third delivery. Off-spinner Moeen Ali, who finished with numbers of 4-50, accounted for the wickets of Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls, leaving New Zealand at 122-5.
Ali proceeded to tighten the screws, dismissing Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry in consecutive deliveries, leaving the Black Caps teetering at 169-8.
All-rounder Rachin Ravindra offered some entertainment with strong blows but was bowled out by Sam Curran for 61 off 48 balls, signaling the end of the New Zealand innings as the injured Tim Southee was unable to play.
Prior to it, in England’s innings, Dawid Malan, the player of the series, took the lead after they won the toss. He made the most of his opportunity as the opening batsman, standing in for the injured Jason Roy.
New Zealand’s Southee, in a flash of misfortune, injured his thumb while attempting to catch Joe Root. A New Zealand team spokesperson later revealed that Southee had dislocated and broken a bone in his right thumb, throwing doubt on his participation in the World Cup.
Harry Brook, not initially part of England’s provisional World Cup team, failed to capitalize on his chance to step in for the rested Ben Stokes and was dismissed for 10, giving Rachin Ravindra his second wicket.
Malan, who had hit 96 in the third ODI, achieved his century in the 32nd over with a flicked drive for two on the leg side. However, England suffered a setback when Buttler was caught at mid-off for 36, reducing them to 195-4 and stalling their momentum. Malan was eventually retired for 127, caught behind off a wide delivery from Ravindra, who finished with four wickets.
England is now gearing up for the upcoming white-ball series against Ireland which is scheduled to be played from September 20th to 26th.
