A magnificent unbeaten century from Nathan Astle steered New Zealand to a five wicket victory in their one-day series decider against England here on today as the hosts took the series 3-2.
After levelling the series 2-2 with back to back wins in Napier and Auckland, England went into the Dunedin decider brimming with confidence.
But Nasser Hussain's men came unstuck against a New Zealand side which rediscovered the form that characterised their play in the opening two matches.
Astle, who brought up the victory by smashing the ball out of the ground for six, made an unbeaten 122 and passed 5,000 one-day international runs in the process as New Zealand triumphed.
It was the opener's 12th and highest one-day international hundred and contained 12 fours and five sixes off 150 balls.
Nasser Hussain struck his first half century for 13 matches and his 71 run fourth wicket stand with Owais Shah galvanised the England innings.
Astle and Lou Vincent took New Zealand home with a 43 run partnership despite England bowling well to cut off scoring options. Astle ended the series with two sixes in the penultimate over off Andrew Flintoff.
AFP