New Zealand beat England in T20 tri-series

WELLINGTON, Feb 13 (AFP): Captain Kane Williamson silenced his critics with a half century as New Zealand defeated England by 12 runs in the fourth match of the T20 tri-series in Wellington Tuesday, severely denting the tourists' hopes of making the final.

Williamson top-scored with 72 from 46 balls and opener Martin Guptill contributed 65 as the Black Caps battled to a tight victory over England.

The hosts had set a target of 197, and restricted England to 184 for nine in reply. The result leaves Jos Buttler's men without a win in the series after losses to Australia in their previous two matches.