Ben Stokes strikes on ODI return

Auckland: Ben Stokes shook off any rust following an enforced break with his 11th ODI half-century as he guided England to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the second game of their five-match series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday.

Stokes only made his return to international cricket in the first match in Hamilton on Sunday after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last September led to him being charged with affray and being stood down by selectors. They had slumped to 108 for six after 30 overs, despite Martin Guptill scoring 50, his 34th ODI half century.

All-rounder Mitchell Santner, who hit the winning runs on Sunday, however notched his first half century and finished 63 not out while Colin de Grandhomme added 38 as the lower order ensured they made the final over.

"We raised our level of intensity, especially with the first 10 overs with the ball and that was backed up in the field," England captain Eoin Morgan said.

The third match is in Wellington on Saturday.

Brief scores: New Zealand 223 in 49.4 overs (M Santner 63, M Guptill 50, Moeen Ali 2/33, B Stokes 2/42, C Woakes 2.42) lost to England 225-4 in 37.5 overss (B Stokes 63no, E Morgan 62, J Butter 36no).