Toss: New Zealand. England's third victory in the one-day series was as complete as their first one. After overnight rain had been tipped from the covers on to one side of the square, the game had to be reduced to 40 overs a side, and England raced to 69 for one during the first 12 overs. New Zealand were limited to 32 for three in the same period, and also lost Wright temporarily when hit on the side of the helmet during a hostile spell from Lewis. The pace of the one quick pitch of the tour also suited Botham, who opened the batting and played some remarkable strokes, none more so than his flat-bat smash over mid-on when he moved out to Watson and the bowler dropped short. After Botham had reached his highest one-day score for England, off 73 balls, Smith hit 85 off 71 no less forcefully, and added 54 in five overs with Lamb. At such a scoring-rate something had to give, and it was the hamstring in Lamb's right leg, an injury which ruled him out of the first part of the World Cup. Stewart, in his first outing as captain in an international match, had a relaxed time as England coasted home.

Man of the Match: I. T. Botham.

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