Mount Maunganui, Oct 26 (UNI) Daryl Mitchell’s resolute 78 not out and Michael Bracewell’s fluent 51 guided New Zealand to a thrilling four-wicket win over England in the 1st ODI of the ongoing series at Bay Oval.
Chasing 224, New Zealand got off to a shaky start, losing Will Young (5) and Kane Williamson (0) in quick succession to Brydon Carse. Rachin Ravindra (17) fell to Luke Wood, leaving the Kiwis struggling at 24/3.
Tom Latham and Mitchell then rebuilt the innings with crucial boundaries and smart running between the wickets. Latham fell for 24, caught LBW off Carse, but Mitchell and Bracewell kept the scoreboard ticking with timely strokes.
The chase had its moments of drama. Mitchell and Santner hit successive sixes off Adil Rashid in the 34th over, bringing New Zealand closer to the target.
Santner was dismissed soon after for 27. A run-out of Bracewell at 158-5 looked like it could shift momentum back to England, but Mitchell held firm. He then unleashed a late flurry, including a six off Rashid at 36.2 and a boundary over backward square leg on the very next ball, sealing the chase. Nathan Smith contributed an unbeaten 5 to see New Zealand home at 224/6 in 36.4 overs.
England, batting first, had been propelled by a sensational innings from captain Harry Brook, who smashed 135 off 101 balls, including 9 fours and 11 sixes.
Despite Brook’s heroics, England struggled for support as their top and middle order collapsed under disciplined bowling from New Zealand.
Zakary Foulkes was the pick of the bowlers with 4/41, while Jacob Duffy (3/55) and Matt Henry (2/53) provided vital breakthroughs. England were bowled out for 223 in 35.2 overs, with Jamie Overton adding a useful 46.
Carse finished with 3 wickets for 45 for England, while Adil Rashid and Wood claimed one each.
New Zealand’s win was built on timely partnerships, aggressive stroke play in the final overs, and disciplined bowling at critical moments. The Kiwis take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting up an exciting 2nd ODI.
