England have set New Zealand 259 for victory in the first ODI in Hamilton.
Jonathan Trott top-scored with 68 from 90 balls, while Ian Bell also pitched in with 64 from 79.
The innings did not get off to the best of starts, as Alistair Cook's (4) stumps were removed by Mitchell McClenaghan in the fourth over.
Bell and Trott then put on an 84-run partnership, which was broken when Brendan McCullum caught Bell off the bowling of James Franklin.
Joe Root then came to the crease and reached his half century, but Kyle Mills and McClenaghan struck in quick succession to halve England's charge.
The innings then stalled, as only Jos Buttler (21), Chris Woakes (17) and Graeme Swann (16) made it past double figures.
McClenaghan finished with figures of 4-56.