England v New Zealand 2008

New Zealand deservedly lifted the NatWest Trophy after comfortably winning the most uneventful match of a series littered with controversy. It had camouflaged some poor cricket: only one innings of 70-plus was recorded by each side. For England it was "new captain, same old story" as Pietersen, in charge for the first time after Collingwood's suspension, failed to inspire his team. New Zealand made a respectable rather than daunting 266, thanks to England's lack of control in the final ten overs, which cost 96 runs, including 61 off the last five. Pietersen's decision to give Shah a third over of his occasional off-spin proved the turning point: Oram hit two sixes, the over cost 17, and Styris finished the innings with a flourish, unbeaten on 87 off 91 balls. England's top-order batting was again wholly unconvincing. Southee, named Man of the Series, caused the initial damage, having Pietersen caught at point, before Vettori - arguably a more worthy recipient for his overall contribution - strangled the middle order with three wickets in ten tight overs. Ambrose finished with ten runs from five innings. Shah's 69 was little more than token resistance as New Zealand completed their second 3-1 one-day success over England in five months.