World T20: England beat New Zealand by six wickets

Luke Wright and Steven Finn starred in a much-improved all-round performance as England beat New Zealand by six wickets to put the defence of their ICC World Twenty20 crown back on track.

Luke Wright hit a belligerent half-century and Steven Finn grabbed 3 for 16 to keep defending champion England's hopes alive.

New Zealand won the toss but were soon minus opener Martin Guptill, lbw to a swinging yorker from Finn.

James Franklin, with an useful 50 off 33 balls, and captain Ross Taylor (28), were the two New Zealand batsmen who played responsible innings after the Kiwis decided to bat on winning the toss.

Wright smashed five sixes and as many boundaries off 43 balls and added 89 for the third wicket with Eoin Morgan (30) as England comfortably chased down a modest target of 149 in 18.5 overs at Pallekele stadium.

Steven Finn took three for 16 and then Wright (76) engineered a well-drilled chase achieved with seven balls to spare - meaning England have at least given themselves a second chance after their defeat against West Indies at this same venue two days ago.

Finn provided a double breakthrough, dismissing Martin Guptill (five) in the second over of the innings before having dangerman Brendon McCullum in his next, caught at third man off a miscued shot for ten.

England's top order had crumbled in the previous two games, but Wright and Eoin Morgan (30) batted with plenty of aggression in an 89-run match-winning third-wicket stand in 10 overs.

By the time Kane Williamson was fourth out in the 12th over, caught-behind trying to cut the returning Danny Briggs, it was clear New Zealand were having to reassess what a par total might be.

New Zealand will take on West Indies in its last group game while England will meet Sri Lanka on Monday.