Calne spinner Liam Dawson gave an impressive performance in vain on his England Lions debut but was unable to prevent a comprehensive defeat for the tourists.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat in the unofficial Twenty20 international at Pukekera Park, the New Zealand openers put the England bowlers to the sword immediately and began to rack up an imposing total.

Lions skipper Robert Key used five bowlers to try and stem the flow of runs, curiously including part-timer operator Jonathan Trott, before throwing the ball to the former Goatacre and Chippenham all-rounder.

Dawson made an immediate impact and had Nathan McCullum, brother of big-hitting full international Brendan, for just two runs and was the second most economical bowler on display for the visitors with 19 runs coming off his two overs.

The Hampshire prospect also took a catch to remove free-scoring Gareth Hopkins off the bowling of Sajid Mahmood.

The only other England spinner to used, full international Samit Patel, bowled four overs and took no wickets for 53 runs.

New Zealand finished on a mammoth total of 227 and England lost wickets early in reply.

By the time Dawson, batting at nine, came to the crease his side were 120-7 and defeat appeared to be a mere formality.

He made two from three balls before being dismissed by experienced opening bowler Warren McSkimming, caught by Craig Cumming after hitting out in pursuit of much-needed quick runs.

England were eventually dismissed for 143 and lost by 84 runs.

The England Lions will now return to prepare with their counties ahead of the upcoming season.