Christchurch, Oct 20 (UNI) England dominated New Zealand by 65 runs in the second T20 International of the ongoing England tour at Hagley Oval, delivering a batting masterclass complemented by disciplined bowling to secure a comprehensive victory.
With this win, England take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, after the first encounter was abandoned due to rain.
After New Zealand won the toss and chose to field, England exploded to a record-breaking 236 for four in 20 overs, the highest T20I total ever at Hagley Oval. The innings featured a series of breathtaking strokes, including Phil Salt’s 85 off 56 balls and Harry Brook’s 78 off 35, while Tom Baton remained unbeaten on 29, anchoring the late surge.
Jos Buttler (4) and Jacob Bethell (24 off 12) gave England an aggressive start, with the latter hitting successive sixes and fours to maintain momentum.
England’s innings saw multiple memorable moments: Brook hit consecutive sixes off Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry, Salt used his wrists to whip the ball behind square for boundaries, and Bracewell’s deliveries were dispatched for towering shots.
Notable fielding efforts by New Zealand included catches by Michael Bracewell, Tim Robinson, and Santner, dismissing key batsmen Salt and Brook. In reply, New Zealand was restricted to 171 all out in 18 overs despite valiant efforts from Kyle Jamieson (86 not out) and Tim Seifert (39).
England’s bowlers operated with precision and discipline. Adil Rashid starred with four crucial wickets, while Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, and Luke Wood chipped in with key dismissals, including late strikes to finish the game. The tail fell quickly: Matt Henry was dismissed for a golden duck, and Jacob Duffy’s stay ended at 1, caught by Brook off Wood to hand England a comfortable victory.
Key moments of New Zealand’s innings, included massive sixes from Santner and Seifert, clever boundaries by Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, but regular wickets kept New Zealand under pressure. England’s fielders were alert throughout, executing sharp catches and run-outs that prevented any momentum shift.
With this win, England take a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, cementing their dominance and putting significant pressure on New Zealand for the remaining fixtures.
England’s innings featured an extraordinary display of power-hitting, including Banton’s six over deep square leg, Brook’s towering pulls and lofts over mid-wicket, and Salt’s wristy drives and pulls.
The match showcased the effectiveness of England’s aggressive batting strategy and sharp fielding, leaving New Zealand unable to chase a mammoth total despite moments of resistance.
