ENG vs NZ (2nd T20I) – Highlights
England’s batting firepower once again lit up the Hagley Oval as they stormed to a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. It was a night where Harry Brook showcased his growing stature as a global T20 force, while Adil Rashid’s crafty leg-spin ensured England’s imposing total remained unchallenged.
Put in to bat, ENG produced a masterclass in modern T20 hitting, piling up 236 for 4 — their second-highest total against NZ. The innings was anchored by opener Phil Salt, who struck a fluent 85 off 56 balls, finding gaps with precision and punishing anything remotely loose. But it was Captain Harry Brook who turned the innings into a spectacle, hammering 78 from just 35 deliveries. His blend of orthodox strokeplay and audacious innovation dismantled the Kiwi bowling unit.
Jos Buttler’s early dismissal to Jacob Duffy for just four gave NZ brief hope, but Salt and Brook ensured that the run rate never dipped. Their 129-run partnership came in no time, setting the tone for a late onslaught. Brook, who has been in irresistible form this year, smashed five sixes and six fours before falling to Kyle Jamieson in the 18th over. By then, the damage was irreversible. Tom Banton added the finishing touches with a rapid 29* off 12, helping ENG surge past 230.
For NZ, it was a night to forget with the ball. Every bowler went at over 10 runs an over, with Jamieson’s 2 for 47 being the only semblance of resistance. Even the experienced Mitchell Santner couldn’t contain the flow, conceding 41 from his four overs.
Chasing 237 was always going to be an uphill climb, and New Zealand’s innings never quite found momentum. Tim Seifert showed brief resistance with a 29-ball 39, but regular wickets strangled their chase. Luke Wood and Brydon Carse struck early to remove Robinson and Ravindra inside the first two overs, and from there, Adil Rashid took over. The veteran leg-spinner bamboozled the middle order with sharp turn and subtle changes of pace, finishing with 4 for 32, a spell that sealed England’s dominance.
Mitchell Santner’s spirited cameo of 36 from 15 balls was the only real fireworks for the home side, but by then, the result was long settled. The rest of New Zealand’s batting lineup fell in clusters, bowled out for 171 in 18 overs.
England’s performance reflected the depth and versatility that make them such a formidable T20 unit. Brook’s authoritative captaincy, Rashid’s control, and the team’s relentless attacking intent underlined why they remain one of the most dynamic white-ball sides in the world. For New Zealand, their bowlers will need a serious rethink before the next game if they are to prevent another English batting onslaught.
England vs New Zealand Scoreboard
England – 236/4 (20)
New Zealand – 171 (18/20)
Result – England won by 65 runs
Player of the Match – Harry Brook
Harry Brook
ENG vs NZ Playing XIs
England | Jos Buttler (wk), Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood. |
New Zealand | Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, 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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