LONDON, June 28: Scott Styris and Jacob Oram struck half-centuries to help New Zealand to 266 for five, giving them a competitive chance of wrapping up a series win in the fifth One-day International against England at Lord’s on Saturday.

Oram cracked 52 off just 40 balls and put on a run a ball stand of 77 with Styris, whose 87 not out was a more measured innings until some big-hitting late on. England were left needing just over five runs per over to claim the win they require to draw the series.

Kevin Pietersen, in his first match as captain in place of the banned Paul Collingwood, made a few mistakes though might have rued keeping part-time off-spinner Owais Shah on when Oram cracked 17 off his third and final over. For the most part, though, England bowled with control.

Opener Jamie How, who was dropped by wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose when on four, departed for 22 in Stuart Broad’s opening over after hitting him for a four and a six. Broad had his second wicket when Ross Taylor edged to Ambrose for four.

The Kiwis were reduced to 71 for three in the 19th over after the fall of danger-man Brendon McCullum.

Daniel Flynn helped rebuild the innings with a stand of 53 with Scott Styris but he was eventually bowled by the perfect off-spinning delivery to a left-hander from Swann, who made the ball grip and turn away from Flynn’s bat. He made 35.

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