England secured a 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20 International on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After the opening match was washed out, England’s batters put on a display, racing to a mammoth 236 for four. New Zealand's chase faltered early and were eventually bowled out for 171 in 18 overs.
Put in to bat by Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner, England's innings was powered by a 129-run partnership between opener Phil Salt, 85 from 56 balls and skipper Harry Brook, 78 from 35 balls. The total of 236 is the highest-ever T20I score recorded at Hagley Oval. New Zealand’s poor fielding contributed to it, highlighted by a dropped catch by James Neesham when Brook was on 40.
Brook made the hosts pay for the error, blasting six fours and five sixes, including one pull shot that traveled over 100 meters and out of the ground. Salt played a strong supporting role, rotating the strike and punishing loose bowling, while Tom Banton added a quick 29 runs from just 12 balls to finish the innings.
New Zealand's pursuit of 237 began with a disaster, with seamer Brydon Carse, 2-27 dismissing both Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra in the second over. Tim Seifert, 39 and Mark Chapman put together a 69-run partnership to provide some fight, but their dismissals around the 10-over mark effectively ended the chase.
England's spinners finished the job, with Adil Rashid taking 4-32 and Liam Dawson adding 2-38. Player of the Match Harry Brook commented on the improved batting conditions, stating, "The other night the pitch had a little more live grass on it... The sun has probably helped us out and made the pitch a little bit flatter and easier for the batters.” The third and final match of the series will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday.
