Cricket: Colin Munro century leads New Zealand XI to win over England

An unbeaten century from Black Caps opener Colin Munro has helped the New Zealand XI to an eight wicket win over England in their second Twenty20 warm up match in Christchurch.

Munro, captaining the New Zealand XI, blasted an unbeaten 107 from 57 balls, as the Blacks Caps chased 189 to win.

Munro thumped nine fours and seven sixes as the New Zealand XI won with nine balls to spare.

It was a timely boost of confidence for Munro, who struggled at the World Cup but will bat in the top three alongside Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert in the five-match series against England, beginning at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Friday.

England won the toss and got off to a slow start, slumping to 31/2 inside the powerplay overs.

Batsmen James Vince (46) and Joe Denly (39 not out) led the way for the tourists as they reached 188.

Anurag Verma was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers, taking three for 46 from his four overs.

In response, the New Zealand XI lost Tim Seifert (12) and Anton Devcich (16), before Anaru Kitchen joined Munro at the crease, combining for an unbeaten stand of 138 to guide the New Zealand XI home with 1.3 overs to spare.

England will begin the international leg of their New Zealand tour against the Black Caps at Hagley Oval on Friday, playing five T20Is and two Tests.

Twenty20 tour opener at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln:

England 188-5 in 20 overs (James Vince 46, Joe Denly 39no, Lewis Gregory 29no, Sam Billings 27; Anurag Verma 3-46) lost to New Zealand XI 191-2 in 18.3 overs (Colin Munro 107no, Anaru Kitchen 48no) by eight wickets.