Hamilton, New Zealand – New Zealand has clinched the ODI series against England with a dominant five-wicket victory in the second match held on Wednesday at Seddon Park in Hamilton. This win gives the Kiwis an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
England's batting woes continued, as they were bowled out for a paltry 175 in just 36 overs after New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl. The top order struggled against the relentless pressure from the New Zealand bowlers. Only captain Harry Brook, with 34 runs, offered some resistance among the top seven batsmen. Jamie Overton provided some late fireworks with a counter-attacking 42 off 28 balls, but it wasn't enough to rescue the innings. Blair Tickner, returning to the side after being called in as a late replacement for the injured Kyle Jamieson, starred with the ball, taking a career-best 4 for 34. Nathan Smith and Rachin Ravindra also chipped in with wickets.
In response, New Zealand chased down the target of 176 with 16 overs to spare. They finished at 177/5 in 33.1 overs. However, the hosts faced an early setback when Will Young was dismissed for a duck in the first over by Jofra Archer. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson then steadied the ship with a 42-run partnership, before Williamson was out for 21. Ravindra went on to score a well-made 54, forming a crucial 64-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell.
England sensed an opening when Tom Latham and Michael Bracewell fell in quick succession, but Mitchell, along with captain Mitchell Santner, ensured there were no further hiccups. Mitchell remained unbeaten on 56, while Santner contributed a breezy 34 not out, sealing the victory with an unbroken 59-run stand. Daryl Mitchell slashed hard at the first ball of Carse’s over, and the thick outside edge raced away to the third man boundary for four.
Despite the defeat, England could take some positives from the return of Jofra Archer, who bowled with pace and hostility, finishing with 3 for 23. Archer dismissed Young with his fourth ball and troubled both Williamson and Ravindra. However, he lacked support from the other end.
This victory marks New Zealand's first bilateral ODI series win over England at home since 2008 and their first overall since 2013. New Zealand displayed grit and patience to overcome the tough periods in the game. This loss marks England's ninth consecutive away defeat in ODIs.
The final ODI will be played in Wellington on November 1st.
