ICC World Cup 2015: New Zealand's Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum confirm embarrassing defeat for England

New Zealand have sealed a comfortable victory after registering an eight wicket win over England in a Group A clash of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Friday.

England won the toss and Eoin Morgan decided to bat first. Things did not go as per plan for the Three Lions as they lost their opening batsman Ian Bell after he managed only eight runs.

It was then Moeen Ali's turn, who became Tim Southee's second victim of the day after adding 20 more runs to the total. He was then followed by Gary Ballance, who gave away a simple catch to Williamson off Trent Boult's delivery.

Joe Root and Morgan tried to stabilise England's innings. The English skipper was dismissed after Adam Milne took a spectacular catch at long off to send Morgan (17) back to the pavilion.

After Morgan's dismissal, England lost six more wickets for 19 runs as Southee turned star man with the ball, finishing the day with seven wickets

In reply, New Zealand started brightly as Brendan McCullum started taking on England bowlers from the second over. He scored the World Cup's fastest half century in 18 deliveries and was bowled by Chris Woakes on 77.

The Kiwi skipper smashed seven sixes and managed eight fours, inflicting more than enough damage before his dismissal. The co-host nation needed 12 runs to win as the umpires called for a break.

New Zealand have already registered victories over Sri Lanka and Scotland. The latest win is their third of the group stages and they face Australia next on 28 February. Meanwhile, England face Scotland on 23 February in a must win clash for the Three Lions.