NZ take 2-1 lead in ODI series

SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP):

Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson hit centuries as New Zealand beat England by three wickets in the third one-day international yesterday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Although England posted more than 300 for a third successive ODI match for the first time, the hosts failed to use up all their overs as they were bowled out for 302 in 45.2.

It left England vulnerable to a New Zealand counterpunch, which was expertly delivered in a national-record third-wicket stand of 206.

As at the Oval on Friday when they put on 121 together, Williamson (118) and Taylor (110) took few chances as they dominated a chase completed with an over to spare and a total of 306-7.

"I think that partnership in the middle was key," Williamson said. "First of all, it was important to actually bowl England out today short of their 50 overs. They were on target for a big score and they've played really well again, so it was nice to be able to do that and get a total that you could probably break down."

attack at all costs

England's new commitment to attack at all costs saw Joe Root (54), Eoin Morgan (71) and Ben Stokes (68) pile in with decent scores, but losing their last five wickets for 14 runs cost the hosts.

"For a while now, we've always played within ourselves and always batted up before the end," Morgan said. "But for a long time, we were looking like getting 350-plus and that's exciting to see, particularly when we're trying to change our mentality with the bat."

The next match in the series is on Wednesday.