ENG vs NZ (8th Match) – Highlights
New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in Hamilton to secure a five-wicket victory over England in the second ODI, emphatically sealing the series. It was a game that swung only briefly before the Black Caps, led by Blair Tickner’s fiery spell and Daryl Mitchell’s calm assurance, took complete control. England’s batting crumbled again under pressure, folding for just 175, and New Zealand chased the target with ease in 33.1 overs.
Blair Tickner was the hero with the ball, claiming 4 for 34 in his eight overs, dismantling England’s middle and lower order with a mix of pace, bounce, and control. His spell set the tone for New Zealand’s disciplined bowling effort after Jacob Duffy provided early breakthroughs. England’s innings never really found momentum, with only Harry Brook and Jamie Overton offering resistance. Brook, captaining in this game, looked fluent for his 34 off 34 balls but fell just when he was needed to anchor the innings. Overton’s late burst – a brisk 42 off 28 balls with two sixes – helped England limp past 170, avoiding a complete collapse.
NZ bowling was a collective effort. Duffy’s miserly opening spell (1 for 16 in six overs) applied the squeeze, while Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell chipped in with crucial wickets. Mitchell Santner, captaining the side, provided control through the middle overs, finishing with 1 for 48. The standout, however, remained Tickner, whose ability to extract bounce and movement troubled even the most composed English batters.
Chasing a modest target of 176, NZ lost Will Young early to Jofra Archer, who bowled with fiery rhythm and outstanding control. Archer’s spell was the lone bright spot for England as he claimed three wickets for just 23 runs in ten overs. Despite the early setback, Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with a fluent 54 off 58 balls, continuing his impressive form as an emerging ODI asset. Ravindra’s partnership with captain Kane Williamson brought stability, adding 42 runs before both fell within ten overs of each other.
At 118 for 5, ENG sensed a faint opportunity, but Daryl Mitchell extinguished it with a composed and powerful innings. His unbeaten 56 off 59 balls, studded with six fours and two sixes, showcased why he’s become one of New Zealand’s most dependable finishers in limited-overs cricket. Partnering with Mitchell was Santner, who added the finishing touches with a blistering 34 not out off 17 balls, sealing the win with more than 16 overs to spare.
The contrast between the sides was stark. While New Zealand’s bowling was precise and well-coordinated, ENG’s lacked penetration beyond Archer. Their batting, too, appeared uncertain on a surface offering some grip and seam movement. With this win, New Zealand not only clinched the series but also demonstrated their depth and composure in home conditions – a hallmark of their modern ODI consistency.
England vs New Zealand Scoreboard
England – 175/10 (36)
New Zealand – 177/5 (33.1)
Result – New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 101 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Blair Tickner
Blair Tickner
ENG vs NZ Playing XI
England | Harry Brook (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid. |
New Zealand | Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy. |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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