New Zealand Vs England, 2nd ODI: Stokes masterclass levels series

Mauao, February 28: England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes put on a masterclass as the tourists levelled the one-day international series against New Zealand with a dominant six-wicket victory at Mount Maunganui on Wednesday (February 28).

Stokes made just 12 in the opening match – his first international appearance since being arrested following an incident in Bristol last September – but scored an unbeaten 63 to lead England in a successful chase of 224.

Scorecard; First ODI report

The 26-year-old played a pivotal role in bowling the Black Caps, who were sent in to bat first by Eoin Morgan, out for 223, claiming a couple of wickets and running two batsmen out.

Mitchell Santner's 27-ball 45 got New Zealand across the line in the first match but his first ODI fifty and a half-century from Martin Guptill were unable to give the hosts - led by Tim Southee in the absence of hamstring injury victim Kane Williamson - a 2-0 lead in the five-game series.

Captain Morgan made 63 before Stokes and Jos Buttler (36 not out) got the tourists home with 12.1 overs to spare.

Top run scorer ✅
Two wickets ✅
Two run-outs ✅

An all-round display earns @benstokes38 the 2nd ODI Player of the Match award! #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/IhXSi9hgQN

— ICC (@ICC) February 28, 2018

Source: OPTA