Eoin Morgan spearheaded a fearless attacking display as England breezed to a run chase of 350 to beat New Zealand by seven wickets on Wednesday and level their one-day international series at 2-2. The victory — with six overs to spare — sets up a series decider at Chester-le-Street on Saturday.
The captain Morgan hit 113 runs, including a 73-ball hundred, in a record third-wicket stand of 198 with Joe Root (106 not out) at Trent Bridge.
England exceeded by 45 runs its previous highest total to win batting second - a major achievement for a team that has more often been an also-ran in this format. It was the joint fourth-highest run chase of all time.
McCullum recognized that Morgan “is in the form of his life.” “He is leading the team really well,” McCullum said.
Morgan had assistance — most significantly from Alex Hales with a wonderful 67 from 38 balls on his home ground, and then Root.
Collectively, in this day-night fixture, England put notable opponents such as Kane Williamson (90), Martin Guptill (53) and Grant Elliott (55no) in the shade.
Even after Jason Roy went to a blistering catch at cover by Williamson also off Henry — following the century opening stand — Morgan and Root had time to pick off the four balls rather than try to make instant boundary opportunities.
Brief Scores
England: 350/3 (Morgan 113, Stokes 106; Henry 2/77) beat NZ: 349/7 (Williamson 90, Elliott 55; Willey 2/89) by 7 wickets.