England v New Zealand: England win first T20 by seven wickets

England beat New Zealand by seven wickets with a strong performance in the first T20 of their four-match series at Chester-le-Street. 

In the first action since the Ashes, the hosts headed to victory reaching 140 with six overs to spare. 

Jonny Bairstow nicked the second ball of the chase to slip but Dawid Malan made a composed 54 from 42 balls.

The left-hander fell with 24 needed from 48 but Harry Brook struck an unbeaten 27-ball 43 to take England home – two towering sixes reinforcing the surprise at his omission from England’s provisional squad for their 50-over World Cup defence in India this autumn.

A professional bowling performance from England set up the win by restricting New Zealand to 139-9.

Luke Wood was hit for three sixes in the first over but recovered to take 3-37, while pace bowler Brydon Carse claimed an impressive 3-23 on his T20 debut at his home ground – the tourists never able to get going after their fast start.

The series continues on Friday in Manchester.