Right then, it was England's day as they were reduced to 55/4 in the first innings but managed to score 227 in 34 overs, thanks to Liam Livingstone's impressive 95, his highest score in an ODI. The bowlers complemented this performance by taking all of New Zealand's wickets in under 30 overs, providing a significant morale boost with the ODI World Cup on the horizon. It's also a valuable lesson for New Zealand, as they will surely take away several insights from this match. We'll see you in the next game being played on the 13th of September, Wednesday starting at 5.00 pm IST (11.30 am GMT), but as you know you can join us early for all the build-up to the game. Until then, goodbye and cheers!
Liam Livingstone is THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH says that it was not a rescue mission as they pride themselves on their depth in batting. Adds that he got used to the conditions and credits Moeen and Curran for their knocks as well. Tells that it has been a frustrating couple months for him as it is a hard role when you have to smack from one ball and it was good to have some time in the middle. Mentions that he hasn't been in good form recently but this knock gives him confidence and says his hard has finally paid off.
Jos Buttler, the victorious skipper of England at the post-match presentation, says that he is delighted with the win and how they recovered from a difficult position. Adds that it was a really good partnership in the middle and wants them to go hard on the bowlers. Tells that everyone is clear with their roles and the vibe in the dressing room is very positive. Says Liam and Curran have every right to want to bat higher up the order. Ends by saying it was a great start with the ball and they carried it throughout the innings.
Tom Latham, the captain of New Zealand says at the post-match presentation that they let England build key partnerships even after taking four quick wickets. Praises Liam for his knock. Credits his fast bowlers who were fantastic with the new ball especially Boult on his return. Tells that they are focusing on the job in hand and not too far away. Says that they were within the reach of the required rate and if they had wickets in hand, things could have been different.
TIME FOR PRESENTATIONS...
New Zealand got off to a difficult start, losing a wicket in the very first over. Subsequently, Devon Conway and Will Young initiated a partnership, but both were eventually dismissed by the English players. Daryl Mitchell emerged as the sole New Zealand batter to make a significant impact, contributing 57 runs from 52 balls. Unfortunately, the remaining New Zealand batters were dismissed cheaply by the English bowlers.
On that note, England secured a resounding victory, leveling the series at 1-1. What an exciting game of cricket unfolded! England managed to dismiss New Zealand for a mere 147 runs in just 26.5 overs, securing a commanding 79-run win over the visitors. The English bowlers were in top form right from the beginning of the innings. David Willey set the tone by taking a wicket in the very first over and went on to claim 3 wickets in the match. Reece Topley, coming from an injury, partnering with him with the new ball, also bowled superbly to capture 3 wickets, while Moeen Ali chipped in with 2 crucial wickets in the middle. England's remarkable comeback from being 45/5 in the first innings to secure a victory truly reflects their champion pedigree.
In over# 27
0W
1
1
0W
1
David Willey 34/3(5.5)
26.5
W
OUT! DONE AND DUSTED! David Willey fittingly gets the final wicket as well! David Willey bangs this short once more, on middle, Trent Boult tries to make room and slap it away but fails to get any timing at all as he gets a bit hurried too, and the ball goes in the air towards mid on where Sam Curran makes no mistake. ENGLAND WIN BY 70 RUNS & LEVEL THE SERIES!
26.4
1
Back of a length and on middle, Matt Henry backs away to pull it but it goes off the splice of the bat towards mid on. They cross.
26.3
1
On a length and on middle, Trent Boult clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
26.2
W
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Another one bites the dust! Tim Southee tries to go big but holes out instead. David Willey bangs this short again and on middle, Tim Southee goes for the pull shot but fails to get on top of the bounce and does not the required elevation. As a result, the ball travels in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Jonny Bairstow runs forward and pouches it safely. England one wicket away from the win now!
26.1
1
Short of a length and on middle, Matt Henry swats ti towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 26
4
0
0W
1
0W
6
Moeen Ali 30/2(5)
25.6
4
FOUR! Good shot! This is flighted, full and around off, Tim Southee comes down the track and carves it wide of mid off for a boundary.
25.5
.
Flighted, full and on middle, Tim Southee works it towards mid-wicket.
Tim Southee is the new man in.
25.4
W
OUT! TAKEN! Moeen Ali strikes twice here! This is flatter full and around off, turns away a bit, Mitchell Santner skips down the track to slog it across the line but the turn away takes the top edge of the bat as the ball loops up in the air towards backward point where Jonny Bairstow takes a comfortable catch. England two wickets away from the win now!
25.3
1
Flighted, full and on off, Matt Henry drives it mid off for a single.