Auckland, February 5:

Dimitri Mascarenhas scored 31, took two wickets, claimed a catch and effected a run out in England’s 32-run win over New Zealand on Tuesday in the first of two Twenty20 cricket internationals.

Macarenhas’ score, surpassed only by Kevin Pietersen’s 43 from 23 balls, contributed to England’s total of 184-8 batting first after New Zealand won the toss. The Hampshire all-rounder then took 2-19, ran out rookie Jesse Ryder for 22 and took a catch to dismiss new cap Tim Southee as New Zealand collapsed to be all out for 152 in 19.2 overs in reply.

England showed more proficiency than New Zealand at the abbreviated game, scoring quickly but not recklessly, bowling good lines and length and supporting their bowlers with an athletic performance in the field.

Pietersen struck six fours and a six in a typically spectacular performance. Paul Collingwood (26), Ian Bell (12) and Owais Shah (23) kept the score ticking over, then Mascarenhas hit four sixes and a four in a brilliant 14-ball innings to make England’s total formidable.

New Zealand was quickly in trouble, losing its stand-in captain Brendon McCullum with the total at 18 and slumping to 70-6 before Jacob Oram’s superb 61 enlivened the innings. Oram came to the crease with too much to do to alter the course of the match. He hit seven fours and two sixes in a 40-ball innings but quickly ran out of partners and was finally out, slogging, to the second ball of the final over.

Ryder made a useful debut, scoring 22 from 21 and taking a wicket with his only over of deceptive medium pace. Ryan Sidebottom was England’s best bowler, taking 3-16 from 3.2 overs, including Oram’s wicket to end the match. James Anderson finished with only 1-31.

The second Twenty20 international is at Christchurch on Thursday. The teams

then meet in five one-day internationals and three Test matches.