Franklin's fifty takes NZ to 148-6 against England

  James Franklin hit a fighting half-century to help New Zealand to 148-6 in their Super Eights group one match against England at Pallekele stadium on Saturday. Franklin scored 50 before he was run out in the final over as New Zealand overcame a career best 3-16 from paceman Steven Finn after they won the toss and opted to bat. Franklin hit four boundaries and two sixes off 33 deliveries. Defending champions England and New Zealand are looking for a win to stay in the hunt for a semi-final place after losing their opening games. New Zealand were in a spot of bother at 67-4 in the 12th over before skipper Ross Taylor and Franklin lifted them with a 40-run stand. Taylor made 22 with two boundaries off 23 balls. Finn provided a double breakthrough, dismissing Martin Guptill (five) in the second over of the innings before having dangerman Brendon McCullum in his next, caught at third man off a miscued shot for ten. It became 43-3 when Rob Nicol was caught at deep square leg, trying to lift off-spinner Graeme Swann who finished with 1-20 off his four overs. Kane Williamson (17) added 25 with Taylor before he edged left-arm spinner Danny Briggs to wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter. Finn returned for a second spell to dismissed Taylor, caught at deep mid-wicket. Finn's previous best of 3-22 were against India in 2011. Sri Lanka and the West Indies -- who won their opening Super Eights games -- play in the second match of the double-header in group one here later Saturday.