Dawid Malan’s sublime century inspired England to a series-clinching hammering of New Zealand in the fourth and final one-day international at Lord’s.
Malan, in prolific form before the World Cup starting in India next month, stroked 127 from 114 balls.
That led England to 311-9, a total the bedraggled Black Caps never threatened. Off-spinner Moeen Ali claimed 4-50 as New Zealand were bowled out for 211 to give England victory by 100 runs.
England take the series 3-1 in what is their last meaningful action before their defence of the World Cup. Next week, an almost entirely different England squad meet Ireland in a three-match one-day series, beginning at Headingley on Wednesday.
Despite a showpiece event now being so close, the intensity of this game was far below the last time these two sides met in a one-dayer on this ground – the heart-stopping 2019 World Cup final – or what it will likely be when they next face each other in the tournament opener in Ahmedabad on 5 October.
Indeed, Friday could be more significant for what did not happen, rather than what did. England opener Jason Roy was still not fit to play because of back spasms and could now feature against Ireland in order to prove his fitness.
Scores:
England 311-9 (50 overs): Dawid Malan 127; Ravindra 4-60
New Zealand 211 (38.2 overs):
Ravindra 61; Moeen 4-50
