HAMILTON, Oct 29: England’s top-order collapse led to their dismissal for just 175 runs, allowing New Zealand to secure a five-wicket victory in the second one-day international on Wednesday. This win gives New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. England’s innings was short-lived, lasting only 36 overs, while New Zealand chased down the target in 33.1 overs, with Daryl Mitchell scoring an unbeaten 56 and Rachin Ravindra contributing 54 runs. Mitch Santner ended with 34 not out.
Mitchell had previously led New Zealand to a four-wicket victory in the series opener on Saturday with an unbeaten 78, after England was bowled out for 223. A noteworthy highlight for England was the return of fast bowler Jofra Archer, who bowled effectively, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs in 10 overs, having taken 1 for 8 in his initial spell. Archer’s speed averaged 141 kph (88 mph), and he was visibly sharp, an encouraging sign for the upcoming Ashes Test series in Australia.
In his first over, Archer dismissed Will Young with a delivery clocked at 143 kph (89 mph) that jagged back and struck the batter on the pad in front of the stumps. England captain Harry Brook praised Archer, saying, “He’s an awesome bowler. Everyone loves watching him… for him to take 3-23 off 10 overs is amazing. It’s awesome to have him back.”
For New Zealand, Ravindra and Kane Williamson helped set a solid foundation with 32 for 1 by the end of the first power play. The chase was steady, requiring New Zealand to score at 3.5 runs per over. Williamson scored 21 runs off 39 balls before falling, with New Zealand at 118 for 5 before Mitchell and captain Santner saw the team home.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl on a pitch that had recently been covered, leading to variable bounce and some seam movement. England struggled, collapsing to 56 for 6 in the first ODI before Brook’s impressive 135 lifted the total to 233. In Wednesday’s match, England found themselves in trouble again at 105 for 6 when Brook was dismissed by Santner for 34. Outside of Brook, Jamie Smith made 13 runs, while Ben Duckett managed just 1. Joe Root contributed 25, Jacob Bethell scored 18, and Jos Buttler added 9 runs, with Jamie Overton being the top scorer for England with 42 runs from 28 balls.
Blair Tickner, who returned to play his first ODI for New Zealand since 2023, excelled as the leading wicket-taker for the hosts, claiming 4 wickets for 34 runs. Brook reflected on the disappointing performance, stating, “It was disappointing to say the least. But we have to come back stronger and better for the third match on Saturday and hopefully get at least one win.”
England’s innings saw Duckett caught behind by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off Jacob Duffy’s delivery in the third over. Root found some momentum by hitting two fours, while Smith struck a six off Zak Foulkes, pushing England’s scoring rate. Smith was caught by Williamson off Foulkes in the sixth over with the team at 49 for 2 by the end of the first power play. Root fell to a catch down the leg side by Latham off Tickner in the 12th over. Bethell was caught by Foulkes from Nathan Smith’s first delivery after the drinks break, while Buttler was trapped LBW by Smith. The innings ended with Brook falling to a brilliant diving catch from Will Young, off a ball from Santner that turned away sharply.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/10/30/kiwis-take-unassailable-2-0-lead-against-england/
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Publish Date: 2025-10-30 04:48:00
