ENG vs NZ (3rd ODI) – Highlights
Wellington witnessed a gripping one-day contest on Nov 1, 2025, as New Zealand held their nerve to defeat England by two wickets in the third ODI, sealing the series 2-1. It was a match that swung wildly in both directions before Blair Tickner emerged as the unlikely hero, contributing with both bat and ball in a performance worthy of the Player of the Match award.
ENG innings never quite settled after being sent in to bat under grey skies. Their top order collapsed dramatically, undone by the swing and seam of New Zealand’s new-ball pair. Jamie Smith, Joe Root, and Ben Duckett all fell cheaply as England found themselves reeling at 17 for 3. The visitors’ struggles continued when captain Harry Brook and young Jacob Bethell followed in quick succession, leaving England gasping at 44 for 5 inside the first powerplay.
From that wreckage, Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton stitched together a much-needed recovery. Overton, playing with characteristic intent, counterattacked with a brisk 68 off 62 balls, striking ten boundaries and two sixes. His aggression inspired Brydon Carse, who added a fluent 36 in the lower order. But every time England seemed to find momentum, Blair Tickner struck back. The tall seamer ended with 4 for 64, including the crucial wickets of Buttler and Carse, while Jacob Duffy supported well with 3 for 56. ENG innings folded for 222 in 40.2 overs — a total that looked below par on a true surface but still gave them something to defend.
NZ chase began confidently, led by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. The pair added 78 for the opening stand, with Ravindra showcasing his growing maturity through a stylish 46 off 37 balls. His timing on the drives and cuts was impeccable until Sam Curran breached his defense with a sharp in-ducker. Conway, too, fell soon after to a sharp run out, briefly tilting the game back toward England.
Daryl Mitchell, who would later be named Player of the Series, played the anchoring role with a composed 44. He found useful support from captain Mitchell Santner (27 off 29) and the lower order, but England’s bowlers kept chipping away. Curran’s double strike and Jamie Overton’s relentless pace reduced New Zealand to 196 for 8, leaving 27 runs still required with only the tail left.
At that point, Blair Tickner once again turned the tide. Coming in at number ten, he batted with calm assurance alongside young Zak Foulkes. The pair rotated the strike smartly, punished the loose deliveries, and slowly eroded England’s hopes. Tickner’s unbeaten 18 off 20 balls sealed the victory in the 45th over, sending the home crowd into celebration and underlining New Zealand’s resilience under pressure.
For England, it was another case of inconsistency and lost opportunities. Overton’s all-round display and Carse’s cameos hinted at promise, but the top-order fragility and lack of partnerships proved fatal. NZ, meanwhile, will take immense pride in how their bench strength delivered.
England vs New Zealand Scoreboard
England – 222/10 (40.2/50)
New Zealand – 226/8 (44.4/50)
Result – New Zealand won by 2 wickets (with 32 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Blair Tickner
Blair Tickner
ENG vs NZ Playing XIs
England | Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid. |
New Zealand | Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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