New Zealand England ODI Opener Sees Hosts Triumph Despite Brook Heroics
A blistering century from England’s Harry Brook was not enough to prevent a determined New Zealand from securing a four-wicket victory in the first match of their three-game ODI series on Sunday. The hosts, chasing a target of 224, experienced a mid-innings stumble but were steered to victory by an unbeaten 78 from Daryl Mitchell, supported by a vital half-century from Michael Bracewell. The win gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series after losing the preceding T20 contest.
New Zealand’s chase of 224 seemed to be progressing smoothly before a cluster of wickets, including former captain Kane Williamson dismissed for a first-ball duck in his first international appearance since March, introduced tension into the match. However, Mitchell provided the anchor, surviving a dropped catch on 33 to guide his team home. Bracewell contributed a swift 51 before a self-inflicted run-out offered England a glimmer of hope, but Mitch Santner’s composed 27 not out ensured New Zealand reached the target in just 36.4 overs. Reflecting on the chase, Santner stated, “There was still a lot in the wicket. We lost a couple more than we would have liked… but Daryl and Michael’s partnership was massive for us.”
England’s Dramatic Collapse and Stunning Recovery
Earlier, being asked to bat first at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, England’s innings got off to a disastrous start. New Zealand’s seamers exploited the favorable bowling conditions masterfully, with debutant Zak Foulkes claiming an impressive 4-41 and Matt Henry taking 2-53. They reduced the tourists to a precarious 56-6 within the first 12 overs, leaving England’s innings in tatters. Captain Santner praised the opening bowlers, saying, “It’s always a great start… Zak was outstanding, the way he swung it. It looks like a nightmare facing him.”
From the ruins of the top order, captain Harry Brook launched a spectacular counter-attack. He bludgeoned 135 runs from just 101 balls, single-handedly resurrecting the innings. He found a capable partner in Jamie Overton, who made 46 in a 87-run seventh-wicket partnership that took England past the 100-run mark. Despite Overton’s dismissal and a subsequent collapse that left England at 143-8, Brook continued his assault, reaching his century with three consecutive sixes and pushing the total to a defendable 223 all out. His innings included 11 sixes before he was finally dismissed attempting another big shot off Santner.
Mitchell Anchors the Chase After Early Jitters
Man of the match Harry Brook acknowledged his team’s fightback but lamented the inability to take consistent wickets. “I felt I was in good touch,” Brook said. “Obviously we didn’t get off to a great start and I tried to take it up on myself to have a counter-punch. Thankfully it came off today… We started nicely with the ball, but we just struggled to take wickets throughout the middle.” Despite his heroic efforts, New Zealand’s calculated chase, led by Mitchell’s calm presence, proved sufficient. The two teams will now meet for the second ODI in Hamilton on Wednesday, with New Zealand looking to clinch the series.
