First T20, Christchurch
England 153-6 (20 overs): Curran 49(35), Buttler 29 (25)
New Zealand: Did not bat
Match abandoned
Scorecard
Sam Curran salvaged England’s innings before the first match of their winter travels was washed out by rain in Christchurch.
Harry Brook’s side battled canny bowling and a tricky pitch to post 153-6 in the opening T20, but the weather denied New Zealand the chance to start their chase, resulting in a frustrating start to a low-profile white-ball series.
This contest comes little more than a month before the highly anticipated Ashes tour, and England named three of their squad to face Australia in the XI at the Hagley Oval.
It was one of those not included who was most effective, however, as all-rounder Curran hit 49 not out from 35 balls to lift England from 81-5.
Jos Buttler, potential Test number three Jacob Bethell and Brook made starts, before Curran survived being dropped twice and overturned an lbw dismissal to drag England to a score that may well have been competitive.
The second T20 is at the Hagley Oval on Monday, starting at 07: 15 BST, before the third match in Auckland on Thursday.
Three one-day internationals follow, when Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Jofra Archer are among the other Test players who will join the touring party.
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