New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against England and did so by easily chasing down the 224-run target in the first match. The Three Lions failed to post a big total in the opening game thanks to a brilliant bowling display from the Kiwis. England captain Harry Brook's scintillating knock of 135 wasn't enough to get his team to a respectable total and they ended up on the losing side in the first match of the series.
After being invited to bat first by the hosts, England had a horrific start and lost three wickets in the first two overs. Soon after, both Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler would also lose their wickets for cheap as the visitors were left reeling on 33/5. The pace duo of Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes decimated the top-order and the match looked to be fully in the control of the Kiwis.
Brook becomes England's saviour
However, Brook stepped up when his side needed him the most and played an incredible knock. Despite not getting much support from the other end, the 26-year-old didn't stop and kept on smacking opposing bowlers all around the park. Jamie Overton was the only England player other than Brook who crossed the 10-run mark. The all-rounder was dismissed for 46 and the tailenders also failed to give a lot of support to Brook, however the skipper single-handedly took the visitors over the 200-run mark and also went on to complete a memorable hundred.
Brook would eventually lose his wicket for 135 runs as New Zealand capped off a brilliant bowling display and set up quite an achievable target. Foulkes and Jacob Duffy were the top performers, picking up four and three wickets respectively while Matt Henry (2/53) and Mitchell Santner (1/22) also chipped in with key scalps.
Mitchell and Bracewell take NZ through
In reply, New Zealand didn't have a great start at all as they lost both Will Young and Kane Williamson within the first two overs. Though Rachin Ravindra looked to be in a good touch at first, he too lost his wicket soon for only 17 runs. Then, the duo of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham saved the Kiwis' ship. Though the latter went back to the dugout for 24 runs, Mitchell and Michael Bracewell formed a valiant partnership of 92 runs and guided the hosts to a rather comfortable victory by four wickets.
Mitchell remained unbeaten on 78 while Bracewell played a gritty knock of 51 as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Though his team didn't get the result they wanted, Brook was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his stunning knock. England will be hoping to level the series in the second ODI that will be played on October 29 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.