Williamson fires New Zealand to T20 win over England

Captain Kane Williamson silenced his critics with a half century as New Zealand defeated England by 12 runs in the fourth match of the T20 tri-series in Wellington Tuesday, severely denting the tourists' hopes of making the final. Williamson top-scored with 72 from 46 balls and opener Martin Guptill contributed 65 as the Black Caps battled to a tight victory over England. The hosts had set a target of 197, and restricted England to 184 for nine in reply.

Another T20 defeat for @englandcricket leaves them struggling to qualify for the Tri-series final. #NZvENG #bbccricket https://t.co/Mf4jrcwZYX

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) February 13, 2018

The result leaves Jos Buttler's men without a win in the series after losses to Australia in their previous two matches. Buttler put the hosts in after winning the toss, hoping an mottled-looking drop-in pitch with huge bald patches would prove unplayable. But the gamble backfired as the wicket held up and New Zealand's batsmen finally hit their stride after three straight T20 losses.

Dawid Malan's 59 was in vain as England tumbled to a 12-run defeat against New Zealand in the Twenty20 tri-series.

More: https://t.co/U8MoufAmKT pic.twitter.com/7yhn6Q632H

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 13, 2018

"The wicket obviously played a lot better than everyone thought and produced a really good game," said Buttler, who was standing in as captain for the injured Eoin Morgan. Williamson said it was a crucial win for New Zealand, who can seal a spot in the final of the triangular series with a win over Australia on Friday in Auckland. On a personal note, his captain's knock was also rewarding after he had come under fire for a recent lean spell in the shortest form of the game.

NEW ZEALAND WIN! England suffer third straight defeat in T20 Tri-Series after 12-run loss in Wellington. Reaction on Sky Sports Cricket and in this blog: https://t.co/sUNuXb9Tf8 pic.twitter.com/0eE9RM2T4g

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 13, 2018

"There's been a number of occasions recently when I've wanted to contribute more, so it was nice to spend some time in the middle today," he said. New Zealand's move to shore up the batting also paid off as former Hong Kong international Mark Chapman made a useful cameo of 20 off 13 on his New Zealand debut. But the target was still achievable given Westpac Stadium's small boundaries, and England shrugged off the early loss of Jason Roy as fellow opener Alex Hales took up the cudgels.

BREAKING: New Zealand beat England by 12 runs in T20 International Tri-series. #SSN pic.twitter.com/WtwCarFKuz

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 13, 2018

Hales blasted three sixes and six fours in 24 balls to depart on 47, and England looked comfortable as they reached 95 for two. However when a dawdling James Vince was run out by Williamson, it started a steady stream of wickets that stole England's momentum. Dawid Malan valiantly tried to revive the innings with 59 off 40 balls, but the only other batsman to offer any resistance was David Willey, whose departure on 21 spelled the end of England's chances.

New Zealand storm to a first win of the Tri-Series! England fall to their third defeat of the series, making 184/9 in pursuit of the Blackcaps' 196/5.#NZvENG scorecard ➡️ https://t.co/g1P0czyw9q pic.twitter.com/UqY0eB3AMe

— ICC (@ICC) February 13, 2018