Harry Brook and Phil Salt power England to a dominant 65-run win over New Zealand as hosts fall short despite all wickets falling to catches

England put in a strong all-round performance to beat New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The first match of the series ended without a result as consistent rain stopped the play after the first innings. However, in the second clash, England bounced back in style, registering a 65-run win against New Zealand.

England's destructive batting

New Zealand's decision to bowl first didn't work out as their bowlers struggled to stop the English batters. The hosts got an early breakthrough, picking Jos Buttler for just four runs. However, destructive opener Phil Salt and middle-order batter Harry Brook took control of the innings and helped their team post a mammoth total of 236/4.

Salt first put together a 44-run stand with Jacob Bethell and then added a massive 129-run partnership with Brook for the third wicket. Both played explosive knocks, with Salt scoring 85 off 56 balls and Brook hitting 78 from just 35 deliveries. Without taking care of their centuries, the duo gave England a strong platform. After their dismissals, Tom Banton kept the momentum going. He smashed four boundaries and one six in just 12 balls, finishing unbeaten on 29.

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New Zealand's chase

While chasing, New Zealand struggled to get going as England’s bowlers kept the pressure on by taking wickets regularly. The hosts lost two big wickets in the powerplay when Brydon Carse removed opener Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra within four deliveries.

New Zealand's top performers

Tim Seifert scored 39 from 29 balls and skipper Mitchell Santner hit a quick 36 off 15, but apart from them, no one else made a big impact. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid led the way for England, picking up key wickets including Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, and Santner. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 171 in 18 overs, falling well short of the target.

With this win, England now lead the series 1-0. They will look to seal the series in the final T20I, which will be played on Thursday at Eden Park in Auckland.

Brief Scores: England 236/4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 85, Harry Brook 78; Mitchell Santner 0-41) beat New Zealand 171 in 18 overs (Tim Seifert 39, Mitchell Santner 35; Adil Rashid 4-32).