When England were bad in Ahmedabad

New Zealand hit form just in time for the tournament; England were still struggling to find it. Atherton attributed defeat to scrappy fielding, which contrasted with their opponents' keen approach. He himself was responsible for one of four missed catches, but Thorpe, who dropped both openers at slip, made the most costly error. Reprieved on one, Astle went on to 101 from 132 balls, with eight fours and two sixes - his third century in his last ten one-day internationals. Cairns also hit out, with four fours and a six, but after his dismissal England restricted New Zealand to just 43 in the final ten overs. That left them to chase 240, a target which seemed bigger when Atherton was bowled in the second over. But Hick, despite a hamstring strain, finally began to look the part of England's premier batsman. He hit 85 in 101 balls, including nine fours, before Twose, New Zealand's English-born recruit, ran out his runner, Atherton. The result was all but certain once Cork, who had slogged two fours and a six in 11 balls, was caught behind in the 47th over.

Man of the Match: N. J. Astle.