Wright stars in England win (From The Argus)

Wright stars in England win

2:51pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in Sport

Luke Wright smashed a brilliant 76 as England beat New Zealand to keep their World Twenty20 hopes alive.

The Sussex all-rounder hit five sixes - including four in seven balls - as England chased down New Zealand's total of 148-6 with seven balls to spare.

England did not get off to the best of starts chasing the Kiwis' modest score as they lost Craig Keiswetter and Alex Hales to be 38-2.

But Wright put on 89 with Eoin Morgan (30) to take England to within touching distance of victory. Wright - who hit an unbeaten 99 in the opening win over Afghanistan - was eventually caught by Ross Taylor off the bowling of Doug Bracewell for 76 from 43 balls, including five fours and five sixes.

Earlier, Steve Finn had taken 3-16 from his four overs to restrict New Zealand who were indebted to a 33-ball 50 from James Franklin for getting them to 148-6.

England now need to beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights game on Monday to stand a chance of making it through to the semi-finals.