England top order batters' woes continue as NZ complete sweep in ODIs

New Zealand skittled England's top order on their way to a nervy two-wicket win in the third one-day international on Saturday to sweep the series 3-0 and send the tourists off to Australia with some concerns about their batting.

- 

After New Zealand won the toss, Blair Tickner (4-64) and Jacob Duffy (3-56) spearheaded a fine display of swing bowling at Wellington Stadium to dismiss England for 222 in the 41st over.

The chase, however, was far from straightforward, especially after Devon Conway and Tom Latham both had the misfortune to be run out by deflections off the hands of the bowler.

Daryl Mitchell's runs had steered the hosts to their victories in Tauranga and Hamilton and when he departed for 44 to leave his team still 27 runs from their target on 196-8, the English scented an unlikely victory.

Tickner, who made 18 not out, and Zak Foulkes, who finished unbeaten on 14, held their nerves to get the Black Caps across the line and secure New Zealand a 25th win in their last 27 completed ODIs on home soil.