New Zealand completed a comfortable 58-run win over England on Tuesday, all but guaranteeing themselves a place in the tri-series finals against Australia.
Lou Vincent, Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram blasted half-centuries to help New Zealand post a record total of 318-7 on a perfect batting pitch in Perth.
England could manage only 260-8 in reply after their middle-order collapsed again. They need to win their final two matches against Australia and New Zealand again to have any hope of making the play-offs and salvaging some pride from a desperately disappointing tour.
Makeshift England opener Ed Joyce top-scored with 66 while wicketkeeper Paul Nixon made 49 when the match was as good as over. Ian Bell (31) was the only other player to score more than 20.
New Zealand were always in control after Vincent made 76, Taylor 71 and Oram 54 not out to help the Kiwis pile up a record score against England, eclipsing their 298-6 at Leeds in 1990.
Paceman Liam Plunkett captured 3-54 runs from nine overs while left-arm spinner Monty Panesar was England’s most effective bowler, finishing with 2-35 from 10 overs.
Vincent and Taylor shared a third-wicket partnership of 137 after Plunkett dismissed Stephen Fleming and Peter Fulton (both for 15). This steadied the innings and allowed Oram to finish it off by smacking his unbeaten 50 off 33 balls.
Oram scored a century off 71 balls in his team’s narrow defeat by Australia on Sunday and continued his brilliant form with four sixes and three fours.
England were in trouble early after Mal Loye departed for 15 and, although Joyce and Bell added 72 for the second wicket, they were always behind the required run-rate.
Joyce completed his maiden one-day international 50 but when he was run out by a direct hit from Vincent, England’s chances went with him.
England’s next game is against Australia in Sydney on Friday and New Zealand’s is against Australia in Melbourne on Sunday. — Reuters