Styris and McMillan lift New Zealand to 164
Sept 18 - Things can change in a blink in this game and it took a mere wink from Scott Styris and Craig McMillan to lift New Zealand from a wobbly 31 for 4 towards their eventual 164 for 9. But again England came back at them and, on a flat track, they have a fair chance of hunting their target down and strengthen their claims on a semi-final place.

With England content to rotate their bowlers again, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Andrew Flintoff knocked back the destructive top order. All eyes were on Vikram Solanki, in his first England match as emergency wicketkeeper owing to Matt Prior's fractured thumb. Solanki had kept once this Championship summer, but he didn't put a glove wrong, and was in on the action early, taking two tidy catches off edges that were moving away.

England's other change, Darren Maddy, also had a hand in some vital dismissals - as Styris and McMillan were building some dangerous momentum - he ran out Styris with a direct hit, then picked up two wickets in his first over, including the dangerous McMillan. Collingwood struck in the next over to help restrict New Zealand.

The meaty middle overs did some hefty damage, though. Styris made 42 and McMillan 57 but it was the speed and strength with which they picked up their runs that dazzled, both needing 30 balls. The pair each struck four mighty sixes - targeting Dimi Mascarenhas in particular - to take New Zealand towards their stated aim of the 160/180-mark; a win today will seal their place in the semis.

England will be concerned about Flintoff - struggling as ever with his left ankle, he bowled three of his four overs - and also now with their keeping their tournament chances alive. Defeat would make progression highly unlikely. It will be up to their new-look opening pair - Maddy and Solanki - to get them off to a good start.

       
         

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