England captain Harry Brook led by example, smashing a fifty along with Phil Salt to set up England's 65-run victory against New Zealand.
Brook (78) and Salt (85) plundered 129 runs from 69 balls, providing the foundation for England's 4-236 after being put in to bat.
England grabbed a 1-0 lead heading into the third and final match in Auckland on Thursday.
The series opener between the sides in Christchurch had been washed out on Saturday.
Author's summary: England wins by 65 runs against NZ.