Search for the Standard Model Higgs boson in the decay mode $H \rightarrow ZZ \rightarrow 2l2\tau$, where $l = \mu, e$, is presented based on CMS data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.1 fb^-1 at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV. No evidence is found for a significant deviation from Standard Model expectations anywhere in the $ZZ$ mass range considered in this analysis. An upper limit at 95% CL is placed on the product of the cross-section and decay branching ratio for the Higgs boson decaying with Standard Model-like couplings, which excludes cross-sections of about ten times the expected value for Higgs boson masses in the range 200 < $m_{H}$< 400 GeV/c².