England have recorded a 79-run victory over New Zealand to level the one-day international series with New Zealand.
In the final two games of the T20 series and the opening 50-over fixture, England were thoroughly outplayed by the Black Caps.
At one stage, it appeared that the same would occur in Southampton, New Zealand winning the toss after rain had delayed the start and reducing their opponents to 55-5.
However, in what was a sensational turnaround, England made 226-7 off their 34 overs before bowling New Zealand all out for just 147 in 26.5 overs.
Of England's opening four batsmen, Jonny Bairstow scored six of nine runs between them, before Jos Buttler (30) and Moeen Ali (33) helped their side turn a corner.
95 not out, what an innings from Liam Livingstone! 💪🔥
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 10, 2023
England post 226-7! ⏳👀 pic.twitter.com/DWiEodJnhC
Liam Livingstone was the star of the show, though, with a majestic 95 from 78 balls, superbly supported by Sam Curran who made 42 off 35, with Trent Boult the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-37.
Despite the second-ball dismissal of Finn Allen, New Zealand appeared in control at the 20-over mark, but in the space of 6.2 overs, they lost their final seven wickets.
While Daryl Mitchell hung around to make 57, David Willey (3-34), Reece Topley (3-27) and Moeen Ali (2-30) tore through the order to bowl the tourists out with 43 balls to spare to level the series at 1-1 with two matches remaining.
Darren Plant
