England's men's cricket team continued their aggressive white-ball form this morning, romping to a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International in Christchurch.
The win was set up by a record-breaking batting performance, led by Player of the Match Harry Brook, who smashed a scintillating 78 runs from just 35 balls.
The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The performance at Hagley Oval was a statement of intent from the tourists, who piled on 236 for four, the highest T20I total ever scored at the ground, before the bowlers, led by Adil Rashid, ripped through the New Zealand middle order.
Brook’s joyful innings and a record score
The 25-year-old Yorkshireman, who captained the side, pinged five sixes in a joyous display of power hitting, making his runs at a strike rate of over 222.
Brook was delighted with his contribution, especially after the first game was washed out due to rain.
“It felt good , it’s always nice to contribute and it was good to do it alongside Salty,” Brook said after the match.
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He summarised the team’s attacking strategy: “It was nice to get a few runs out there and hit a few out of the park.”
The England innings was also anchored by opener Phil Salt, who top-scored with a fine 85, providing the platform for Brook to accelerate.
Spinner Adil Rashid then delivered a match-winning spell, claiming a brilliant 4-32.
England’s Batting Card
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs (R) | Balls (B) | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
| Phil Salt | c Bracewell b Jamieson | 85 | 56 | 11 | 1 | 152 |
| Jos Buttler (WK) | c Santner b Duffy | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 133 |
| Jacob Bethell | c Neesham b Bracewell | 24 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 200 |
| Harry Brook (C) | c Robinson b Jamieson | 78 | 35 | 6 | 5 | 223 |
| Sam Curran | Not Out | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 267 |
| Tom Banton | Not Out | 29 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 242 |
| Extras (lb 3, wd 4, nb 1) | 8 | |||||
| TOTAL | (4 Wickets, 20 Overs) | 236 |
Trusting the veteran bowlers
Despite the batting fireworks, Harry Brook credited the victory to the experience of his bowlers, particularly the spin of Adil Rashid and the all-round performance of Liam Dawson.
As captain, Brook demonstrated a belief in his veteran attack that paid huge dividends.
He noted his trust in the two spinners: “They’re extremely experienced. It’s warming to just be able to say, ‘Lads, you go and do your thing’.”
This freedom allowed Rashid to dismantle the New Zealand chase, ensuring the tourists took a comprehensive win in the second match of the series.
England’s Bowling Card
| Bowler | Overs (O) | Maidens (M) | Runs (R) | Wickets (W) | Economy Rate (ER) |
| Brydon Carse | 4.0 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 9.50 |
| Luke Wood | 2.0 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 12.50 |
| Sam Curran | 3.0 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 12.00 |
| Liam Dawson | 4.0 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 9.50 |
| Adil Rashid | 4.0 | 0 | 32 | 4 | 8.00 |
| Harry Brook | 1.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2.00 |
| TOTAL | (18.0 Overs) | 171 | 10 |
Cricket news and related links
- Marnus Labuschagne stakes his claim to get back in the Australia team for The Ashes
- The Ashes contenders: Three young guns poised for an England call-up
- Mark Wood provides positive update on Ashes rehab
- The Ashes debate: The race to be England’s second spinner heats up
- Harry Brook unleashes his frustration after England’s heavy defeat