ENG vs NZ: New Zealand Take 1-0 Series Lead In ODI Series

ENG vs NZ: In a sensational match between England (ENG) and New Zealand (NZ), Harry Brook’s heroic century was not enough to prevent England from losing by 4 wickets. Though Brook played a scintillating 135, the courageous New Zealand chase, propelled by Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, took their team to a 1-0 series lead in the ongoing ODI series.

Early England’s Collapse Sets the Stage

England started on a downhill path as New Zealand’s bowlers ran amok. Matt Henry broke the defence of Jamie Smith on the first ball to hand New Zealand the ideal beginning.

Zakary Foulkes further tore through the opposition, removing Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Sam Curran, leaving England in trouble at 33/5. Jacob Duffy was also a part of the wicket-taking spree, having Jos Buttler and then having Overton out, who was starting to seem dangerous. England’s situation was unstable at 10/4, with the tail having been exposed early.

Harry Brook’s Heroic Century

In the face of England’s trouble, Harry Brook asserted himself. Following a run of early wickets, Brook, having already begun counter-attacking, started to steady the innings with a fantastic show of batting.

He accelerated to 50 off mere 36 balls, with a streaky top-edged six in between. Even as wickets kept tumbling around him, Brook was joined by a willing partner in Jamie Overton. Together, they contributed a vital 57-run stand before Overton fell for 46 off a smart slower ball by Duffy.

England’s hopes were all but over at 143/8, but Brook had still another trick up his sleeve. He joined forces with No. 11 Luke Wood to contribute a precious 57 runs, of which Brook scored 49.

His breathtaking stroke play, featuring 11 sixes, resulted in his final score of 135 off 101 deliveries. His attacking knock consisted of three sixes against Jacob Duffy and three more against Matt Henry. But Brook’s stay at the crease was cut short when he picked out a slog sweep off Mitchell Santner, which left England on 223 all out in 35.2 overs.

New Zealand’s Cautious Start in ENG vs NZ

In reply, New Zealand’s innings not started great as well. England’s bowlers struck early, with Brydon Carse sending both Will Young and Kane Williamson back cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 6/2.

Pressure was added when Rachin Ravindra fell to Luke Wood, leaving New Zealand struggling at 28/3. Tom Latham’s cameo stint consisting of three early boundaries came to an end when Carse got him LBW, leaving England at 66/4.

Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell’s Stabilizing Partnership

With New Zealand in trouble, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell joined together to settle the innings. The two came up with a crucial 92-run stand, both Mitchell and Bracewell reaching their fifties.

They started cautiously before getting into higher gear, scoring boundaries in quick succession to build the pursuit. The drinks interval seemed to bring the momentum change New Zealand required, and they began to put pressure back on England.

Just when New Zealand seemed to gain the initiative, Bracewell was run out trying to play a dangerous single, and his fall brought Mitchell Santner to the wickets. Santner, though, made an instant mark with two sixes off Adil Rashid, moving New Zealand beyond 200.

Rashid finally got rid of Santner, but by then, the match was virtually over. Mitchell finished off the chase with a boundary off Rashid, giving New Zealand a 4-wicket victory.

ENG vs NZ: Final Scores