CUMBRIAN Ben Stokes made an unbeaten 26 as England eased to victory in the deciding One-Day International clash against New Zealand.

The hosts were put in to bat and made 223, recovering from 93-6 at one stage.

England’s victory was almost assured by Yorkshireman Jonny Bairstow who made 104 from 60 balls in 83 minutes. He was eventually out after hitting his own wicket, with England at 155-1.

Alex Hales (61) and skipper Eoin Morgan (8) went before Stokes joined Joe Root in the middle, the pair making the required runs to see England to a seven-wicket, 3-2 series victory.

England now play a tour match against a New Zealand XI on Friday, before two Tests against the Kiwis, beginning in Hamilton on Thursday, March 22.