Live updates: Black Caps v England, Champions Trophy

England's Jake Ball celebrates taking the wicket of New Zealand's Luke Ronchi. Photo / AP

Welcome to nzherald.co.nz's live updates of the Champions Trophy clash between the Black Caps and England in Cardiff.

The Black Caps will be desperate for a victory after their opening game against Australia was rained off.

England looked very good in their victory over Bangladesh and came into the tournament as the in form team.

The Champions Trophy has so far been frustrating for many teams as rain has had the final say on several results.

New Zealand had Australia on the ropes just days ago on the back of Kane Williamson's ninth one-day century. But because the minimum number of overs to constitute a match couldn't be completed, the Kiwis were left sharing the points.

Interestingly, the win-loss record between the two sides is an even 5-5 in the last 10 encounters. In world tournaments, the Black Caps hold the edge winning six of the last seven.

One concern for New Zealand might be the form of Tim Southee with the white ball. Since the 2015 World Cup, where he and Trent Boult proved to be one of the leading new ball attacks, Southee's form has dropped off with a bowling average of 48 during that time (24 wickets in 23 matches).

This is the pivotal match of the group stage.

A win for England will assure passage through to the next round.

Lose and they will have to beat Australia in Birmingham on Saturday and there is nothing more Steve Smith's team would love to do six months before the Ashes than knock England out of their own tournament.