New Zealand defeated a limp England by 55 runs to set up a T20 series decider as captain Brendan McCullum inspired the hosts in Hamilton.

Having recorded a 40-run win three days previously after posting a record score, England produced a display in stark contrast to the performance in Auckland after captain Stuart Broad put the home side into bat upon winning the toss.

And the Black Caps took full advantage with Martin Guptill (47) and Hamish Rutherford (40) putting on 75 for the first wicket, before McCullum's 74 from 38 balls, including five sixes, set England 192 to win the series.

They got off to the worst possible start with opener Alex Hales (5) and Luke Wright (0) going in the second over via Mitchell McClenaghan as New Zealand found swing and movement off the pitch.

Brendan McCullum
McCullum hit 74 to help New Zealand to victory.

Joe Buttler (54) provided some resistance, but England's innings never got going, with James Franklin finishing with 4-15, as they limped to 137 all out with three balls to spare.

Broad said: "We didn't play well, credit to New Zealand they played fantastically.

"We didn't execute our skills, McCullum did the damage but that's only half the game.

"Yeah [choosing to bowl] was the wrong decision, that's how it goes but New Zealand outperformed us. Jos played really well again it's just unfortunate we didn't keep wickets in hand for him.

"It'll be an exciting game [in Wellington], both sides going hell for leather to win. We'll look at what we did badly and what we did well and try and move on."

Joe Buttler
Buttler's 54 was in vein as England limped to defeat.

After the one-sided nature of the opening two T20 internationals, the pair will square off in a series decider on Friday in Wellington.

McCullum said: "It was disappointing the other night.

"Tonight we set it up well at the top of the order and we were much better overall. We would have batted first, it can skid on under lights and you chase pretty much anything.

"It was nice to make a contribution, whether you're captain or not captain. We're very happy with that performance, heading into the third game.

"It was great to see those guys [Rutherford and McClenaghan] come in and play the roles that they were picked to play.

"Both Hamish and Mitchell are aggressive and that proved successful for us. We knew we were short the other day so happy to bounce back."