Broad hat-trick lights up England win

Stuart Broad, the England T20 captain, took a late hat-trick to light up what was already shaping up to be a comfortable win for England XI against New Zealand XI in Whangarei. Fifty-one runs were required off the last two overs when Broad struck with the first three balls of the 19th with the wickets of Andrew Ellis, Ian Buttler and Matt Henry and hastened the end.

Chasing 187, New Zealand's innings never picked up after Chris Woakes dismissed openers Hamish Rutherford and Anton Devcich early. The middle order, led by Colin Munro, managed to string together a few partnerships, but England's bowlers were always in control of the game. Munro was dismissed by Jade Dernbach in the 18th over after a fighting 55, effectively ending New Zealand's challenge. Broad then bowled the triple-wicket maiden and Dernbach sealed the win in the last over.

"England have pace in their attack," Munro said. "The wicket didn't really suit them as much today, but they bowled with good variation and changes of length were key, especially on this wicket as it was quite slow. We have to be a bit smarter with the batting group tomorrow, and hit the zone and do it a bit earlier so we are not behind the eight ball

Earlier, the England batsmen got themselves some valuable batting practice after being put in to bat. Luke Wright, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler were among the runs. Buttler remained unbeaten after scoring 57 off just 24 balls. His innings included six fours and three sixes.

"Buttler is a fine player and a very clean striker of the ball," Ellis said. "He stands very still at the crease and is good at clearing the front leg, which gives him options. If you get the ball in his areas he'll make you pay. It's our challenge to come up with a plan to negate that."