Brook's defiant ton in vain as New Zealand beat England

New Zealand overcame a blitz from centurion Harry Brook to beat England by four wickets on Sunday in the opening game of their three-match one-day international series, with Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell scoring half-centuries.

The hosts wobbled chasing 224, losing four quick wickets, including former captain Kane Williamson for a first-ball duck in his first match for the side since March, but Mitchell took them home with an unbeaten 78 after being dropped on 33.

Bracewell also earned a reprieve early on and ran himself out for 51 to open the door for England after the initial burst from Brydon Carse (3-45), but New Zealand got back on track thanks to Mitch Santner's 27 and prevailed in 36.4 overs.

"There was still a lot in the wicket," skipper Santner said.

"We lost a couple more than we would have liked in the chase but the intent was great ... Daryl and Michael's partnership was massive for us."

England recovered from a disastrous start as captain Brook bludgeoned 135 from 101 balls and Jamie Overton made 46 to help their side finish on 223 all out in 35.2 overs for a fighting chance in the contest.

Asked to bat first at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, England were rocked early by New Zealand's seamers as Zak Foulkes (4-41) and Matt Henry (2-53) reduced the tourists to 56-6 within 12 devastating overs in helpful conditions.

'GREAT START'

"Yeah it was tough work in the end, but I think the way we started off, with wickets in the powerplay, it's always a great start," Santner said.

"We know Matt can do that and then Zak was outstanding, the way he swung it. It looks like a nightmare facing him. Obviously long spells, but we knew wickets were massive because even when they're four or five down they've got (batsmen).

"Gett