New Zealand vs England 2nd ODI: New Zealand defeated England by five wickets in Hamilton to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Blair Tickner starred with four wickets, while Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra guided the hosts to victory. (Image Credit: Cricket World)
New Zealand crafted a masterful all-around performance to overcome England by five wickets in the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton, and seal an unbeatable 2-0 series lead in the three-match series. The hosts, captained by Mitchell Santner, showed total domination both with the bat and ball, wrapping up the series with a game to spare.
England's batting never really took off since the New Zealand bowlers came in hard and early. After choosing to bat first, the visitors were dismissed for a paltry 175 runs in 36 overs. Blair Tickner, returning to the international scene, was the pick of the bowlers, returning 4/38 from his eight overs. Nathan Smith (2/27) and Mitchell Santner (1/48) supported him well as the Kiwis kept piling the pressure.
England lost openers Ben Duckett (1) and Jamie Smith (13) within the powerplay, with Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes delivering the key early blows. Joe Root (25) and skipper Harry Brook (34) attempted to rebuild, but their fall led to a collapse. Jamie Overton's 42 of 23 balls was the lone highlight knock as England were bowled out for a sub-par score.
Pursuing a modest 176, New Zealand lost an early wicket when Jofra Archer bowled Will Young for a duck in the first over. Later, Rachin Ravindra (54 from 58) and Kane Williamson (21) steadied the ship with a calm 63-run second wicket partnership.
Despite Williamson's early dismissal, Daryl Mitchell demonstrated his class and calmness, playing a crucial inning with an unbeaten 56 off 59 balls. Mitchell received solid support from captain Mitchell Santner, who hit a furious 34* off a mere 17 balls, including three sixes, to seal the chase in style.
New Zealand completed the target easily in 33.1 overs, winning the series and proving their dominance in home conditions.
The win provided an unassailable 2-0 advantage to New Zealand in the three-match series, a drastic turnaround after losing the rain-affected T20I series last week. Santner's team will now aim for a clean sweep when the final ODI is played later this week.
With their bowling clicking and top-order batters finding rhythm, the Black Caps appear well poised to finish the series on a high.
