England Wrap Up New Zealand ODI Series As World Cup Looms

England crushed New Zealand by 100 runs in the fourth one-day international on Friday to seal a morale-boosting 3-1 series victory ahead of their World Cup title defence. Jos Buttler's power-packed team were indebted to opener Dawid Malan, who made a sparkling 127 off 114 balls in a total of 311-9 from 50 overs at a sun-drenched Lord's. New Zealand, dramatically beaten by England in the 2019 World Cup final on the same ground, struggled badly in their run chase, slumping to 211 all out in 38.2 overs.

Both sides were missing a clutch of first-choice players for what served as a dress rehearsal for the opening match of the World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 5.

Buttler believes his side are well-placed to defend their 50-over title in India.

"I think we have got better and better throughout this series in the style of play and got the results as well," he said.

"Dawid Malan has played fantastically well -- every time he gets an opportunity he makes his mark. It was a fantastic hundred. He read the game very well and put bowlers under pressure.

"I think we are well-positioned ahead of the World Cup. We are not trying to defend anything. We are going to try to win a World Cup like everyone else."

England's total appeared within range but Buttler brilliantly ran out Devon Conway with a direct hit before David Willey had Will Young caught behind for 24.

The visitors were reduced to 52-3 when Daryl Mitchell was bowled by paceman Brydon Carse with his third ball.

Off-spinner Moeen Ali, who finished with 4-50, took the wickets of Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls to reduce New Zealand to 122-5.

Ali turned the screw, dismissing Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry in successive balls to leave the Black Caps teetering on 169-8.

All-rounder