CHESTER-LE-STREET: Jonny Bairstow became the first Englishman to score back-to-back hundreds in a World Cup before New Zealand pulled things back to limit the hosts to 305 for eight here on Wednesday.
Bairstow, who had smashed 111 against India in England’s previous contest, hammered 106 off 99 balls to lay a solid platform in the must-win game.
Openers Jason Roy (60 off 61) and Bairstow were in punishing mood for the second game in succession, sharing an entertaining 123-run stand after England opted to bat. Bairstow hit as many 15 fours and a six in his knock.
With England cruising at 194 for one in the 31st over, it seemed the home team would bat New Zealand out of the game. (AGENCIES)
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