NZ vs ENG, 2nd T2OI: Neesham's Fiery Cameo, Santner's Stellar Spell Powers Kiwis To 21 Run Win

New Zealand secured a commanding win in the 2nd T20I on the back of an impressive bowling performance which helped them bundle out England for 155 after setting them a target of 177 to win.

New Zealand defeated England by 21 runs to win the second T20 international played at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Sunday and level the 5-match series 1-1. The Kiwis staged an impressive comeback in the second game following their 7-wicket loss in the series opener in Christchurch. The hosts secured a commanding win on the back of an impressive bowling performance which helped them bundle out the visitors for 155 after setting them a target of 177 to win. Earlier opener Martin Guptill struck a breezy 41 and hard hitting all-rounder Neesham played a sensational cameo of 22-ball 42 laced with two fours and four sixes to power the hosts to a strong total of 176/8 in 20 overs Left arm spinner Mitchell Santner led the bowling efforts with an impressive 3-wicket haul, that saw him running through the Kiwi middler order. He was well supported by Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi, all of whom picked up two wickets each. England were dealt a major blow early in their chase as they lost opener Jonny Bairstow on a duck to Tim Southee. James Vince (1) did not  trouble the scorers much before Dawid Malan (39) and Eoin Morgan (32) steadied the ship for the visitors and added 37 runs for the third wicket. The middle-order failed to deliver for England as Santner wrecked through the middle order. England won the toss in Wellington and captain Eoin Morgan invited the hosts to bat first. Guptill led the opening salvo for New Zealand and got them off to a breezy start despite wickets falling regularly on the other end. Both Colin Munro (7) and Tim Seifert (16) were dismissed cheaply before Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor ressureted the innings to ensure New Zealand reached a good total. Jimmy Neesham added the punch later in the innings with a quick fire cameo to help the Kiwis post an imposing 176-run total. Brief scores: New Zealand: 176/8 (James Neesham 42, Martin Guptill 41; Chris Jordan 3/23) beat Engalnd 155-all out in 19.5 overs (Dawid Malan 39, Chris Jordan 36; Mitchell Santner 3/25) by 21 runs