MANCHESTER, Oct 26 (Reuters) – New Zealand overcame a stunning counter-attack from centurion Harry Brook to beat England by four wickets in the opening game of their three-match one-day international series on Sunday.
Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell struck crucial half-centuries to steer the visitors to victory.
Chasing 224 for the win, New Zealand stumbled early, losing four quick wickets. Former captain Kane Williamson fell for a first-ball duck in his first appearance since March. But Mitchell steadied the innings with an unbeaten 78 after being dropped on 33, guiding his team home in 36.4 overs.
Bracewell, who also survived an early chance, made 51 before running himself out. His dismissal briefly opened the door for England after pacer Brydon Carse (3-45) caused early trouble. Yet, Mitchell and Mitch Santner (27) rebuilt the innings to seal the chase.
“There was still a lot in the wicket,” captain Santner said. “We lost a few more wickets than we wanted, but the intent was great. Daryl and Michael’s partnership was massive for us.”
Earlier, England recovered from a disastrous start to post 223 all out in 35.2 overs. Captain Harry Brook led the fightback with a brilliant 135 off 101 balls, while Jamie Overton added 46 to revive the innings.
Asked to bat first at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, England crumbled to 56-6 within 12 overs as Zak Foulkes (4-41) and Matt Henry (2-53) exploited helpful conditions.
“It was tough work, but the wickets in the powerplay gave us a great start,” Santner said. “Zak was outstanding with the swing, and Matt did what he always does. Getting Brook early would have been nice, but he was brilliant today.”
Brook counter-attacked with fearless strokeplay, reaching his fifty from 36 balls with a top-edged six off Nathan Smith. Overton joined in, adding an 87-run seventh-wicket stand before falling four runs short of a fifty after a fine catch by Mitchell.
Jacob Duffy (3-55) then dismissed Carse next ball, reducing England to 143-8. But Brook kept swinging, reaching his hundred with three consecutive sixes and lifting his tally to 11 maximums. He was finally caught attempting another big shot off Santner, ending a defiant knock that could not save England.
“I felt in good touch,” Brook said. “We didn’t start well, so I tried to counter-attack. Thankfully it came off today.”
This news was originally published by Reuters.