Black Caps robbed of a shot at victory

New Zealand cricketers have the right to feel disappointed after the second one day match against England was controversially called off due to persistent rain. The Black Caps were 127 for 2 after the 19th over when the umpires called off the game. They were chasing a revised target of 134 in 20 overs, which meant they needed just 7 runs in the last over to win the match and level the series. Besides the rain, the match was also affected by a half an hour delay between innings.

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said: "We were in a situation where we would've won the game and to be told you have to leave the field, with so many delays going on, instead of just bowling the over, obviously it doesn't lighten anyone's mood."

England captain Paul Collingwood said: "Both teams were in with a shout there. One wicket and we were ahead in the Duckworth-Lewis. It really came down to a fine line there, but I think the umpires made the right decision in the end."