Harry Brook’s exceptional innings of 135 was in vain as New Zealand defeated England by four wickets in the ODI series opener at Bay Oval on Sunday.
Batting first, England experienced a disastrous top-order
collapse, finding themselves at 5 for 3, which soon worsened to 10 for 4 and 56 for 6. However, Brook’s incredible knock of 135 off 101 balls lifted the visitors to a respectable total of 223 all out in 35.2 overs.
Chasing a target of 224, New Zealand faced early trouble at 66 for 4, with Brydon Carse taking three wickets in a new-ball spell. Nonetheless, Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell turned the game around with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 92 runs. Bracewell scored 51, and Mitchell remained unbeaten on 78, guiding the hosts to victory with 13.2 overs to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
England Vs New Zealand: 1st ODI – Highlights
How New Zealand Beat England?
Put into bat first, England had a dreadful start as Zakary Foulkes wreaked havoc with his debut spell in ODI cricket. After Matt Henry dismissed Jamie Smith for 0, Foulkes removed Ben Duckett (2), Joe Root (0), and Jacob Bethell (2), reducing England to 10 for 4 in 5.1 overs.
Jos Buttler fell to Henry, compounding England’s misery at 33 for 5. Sam Curran was dismissed at 56 for 6, becoming Foulkes’ fourth victim. It was then that Brook took charge single-handedly.
The 26-year-old reached his half-century in 36 deliveries and then formed an 87-run partnership with Jamie Overton. After Overton was dismissed by Jacob Duffy for 46, Brydon Carse (0) and Adil Rashid (4) quickly followed, but Brook continued his assault, hitting three consecutive sixes off Duffy to reach his century. He then hit another trio of sixes in a single over off Henry, recording his highest score in the format and bringing England to a total of 223.
In response, New Zealand also struggled initially, with Carse removing opener Will Young for 5 and Kane Williamson for a duck in his first over. Luke Wood then dismissed Rachin Ravindra for a run-a-ball 17. Carse struck again, removing Tom Latham (24), leaving the Black Caps at 66 for 4 in 11.2 overs.
Bracewell and Mitchell then shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favour with a 92-run stand for the fifth wicket, despite some luck. Bracewell was dropped by Root at slip on just 2 during Overton’s first over, and Mitchell had a significant let-off on 33.
With the required run rate manageable, Bracewell was run out when 66 runs were still needed. Mitchell then ramped up the pressure with a six over fine leg, while Santner added two quick sixes off Rashid.
Santner was eventually dismissed for 27, caught at long-on. Mitchell sealed the win with a powerful shot over backward square.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 224 /6 (Mitchell 78 not out, Bracewell 51, Carse 3-45) beat England 223 (Brook 135, Overton 46, Foulkes 4-41, Duffy 3-66) by four wickets.
(With inputs from Agencies)
