It was a crucial World Cup tie for England and they lost three quick wickets after opting to bat first against New Zealand on Friday.

In Wellington, the English side lost Ian Bell and Moeen Ali early, putting themselves under pressure. Bell was the first one to go as he was dismissed for 8 off Tim Southee. Minutes later, his opening partner Moeen too walked back to the pavilion after being cleaned up by Southee for 20.

In trouble after losing two experienced batsmen, Joe Root and Garry Ballance tried steadying the ship.

Garry Balance was out when the score was 57. England scored 73 for 3 from 19.2 over.

New Zealand are currently at the top of Pool A, but England are desperate to avenge loss in their World Cup 2015 opening match against Australia. In what is expected to be a closely-fought battle between the two biggest underdogs of World Cup cricket, Wellington can expect high quality cricket on the field.

England had to taste defeat in their opening World Cup 2015 match against hosts Australia in Melbourne. That Australia is the No. 1 ODI side was considered as an excuse - one that won't last if the Three Lions go down to New Zealand as well. The Kiwis are in great form and are the ones leading the hunt in front of home fans. Momentum is on their side but over-confidence can spell doom as well.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi, Daniel Vettori, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

England: Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Gary Ballance, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, James Taylor, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, James Anderson