ENG VS NZ 1ST T20I
1st T20I, Chester-le-Street, August 30, 2023, 10:30 PM
New Zealand
139/9(20.0ov)
England
143/3(14.0ov)
England beat New Zealand by 7 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Brydon Carse
Commentry
Right then, that's all from the first T20I. England emerged victorious in a convincing fashion and will look to make it 2-0 while New Zealand will be aiming to draw level in the series. The action now shifts to Old Trafford in Manchester, where the 2nd T20I of the series will take place on September 1. The first ball will be bowled at 10.30 pm IST (5.00 pm GMT). As always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!
Jos Buttler, the captain of England, says that they tried to pick as many wickets as they could and stick to their playing style. Adds that they have got a fantastic start. He says that it was an all round performance from the team and he is happy with the win.
New Zealand's skipper Tim Southee says that it was not a good effort from them and they needed to do well. He adds that they failed to access the conditions. He says that Glenn Phillips has been phenomenal, especially in sticky situations. Ends by saying that they will look to bounce back and win their following game.
Brydon Carse is the Player of the Match on his T20I debut. His brilliant bowling figures of 3 for 23 from his four overs paved the way for an England win. He says it is a great start to his career and he is happy to put up a performance in from of the home crowd. He adds that he kept it simple and his efforts paid off. Reckons that he has his friends here and ends by saying that performing well is a special feeling.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
Earlier in the game, after Jos Buttler won the toss and inserted New Zealand into bat, Finn Allen got off the blocks quickly with three sixes in the very first over. At that stage, it looked like we were in for a high-scoring contest but it all fell apart for New Zealand post Devon Conway's departure. The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and simply failed to string any partnerships together. Glenn Phillips's 41 gave the Kiwi bowlers something to bowl at. For England, debutant Brydon Carse stood out with three wickets while Luke Wood accounted for three wickets as well but was on the expensive side.
With not a big total to defend, as he has done so often, Tim Southee provided New Zealand with an early breakthrough. However, the rest of the bowlers were unable to capitalise on that early scalp, allowing England to release the pressure. Introduced after the Powerplay, Ish Sodhi accounted for Will Jacks and gave New Zealand a slither of hope. It wasn't to be, as Dawid Malan and Harry Brook took the game by the scruff of the neck and started to run away with it. Lockie Ferguson did manage to see the back of Malan, but it was nothing but a consolation, as the damage had already been done.
England have absolutely steamrolled their way to victory! With this statement win, they have drawn first blood in the four-match T20I series. In their pursuit of 140, England were rocked early as they lost Jonny Bairstow in the first over. This early blow did not deter Will Jacks and Dawid Malan, as both kept going for their shots and ensured that England stayed ahead of the required run rate. Coming in at number 4, Harry Brook continued where he left off in The Hundred and carried forward the momentum alongside Malan. The southpaw departed shortly after reaching fifty, but not before putting England in a commanding position. Towards the end, Liam Livingstone provided the finishing touches and took England over the line with 6 overs to spare.
In over# 14
6
1
4
4
0
0
Adam Milne 30/0(3)
13.6
6
SIX! Liam Livingstone finishes off things in style! Short and on off, Liam Livingstone rocks back and pulls it over deep square leg for a maximum. England beat New Zealand by 7 wickets!
13.5
1
Lands it outside off, Harry Brook pushes it to covers for one.
13.4
4
FOUR MORE! Too full, on off, Harry Brook stays in his crease and lofts it down the ground for yet another boundary. Just four needed now!
13.3
4
FOUR! Fine shot! On a length, angling in, Harry Brook picks it well and hammers it through mid-wicket as the ball finds the fence in a flash.
13.2
.
Good length again, Harry Brook flicks it but finds the fielder at square leg.
13.1
.
On a length and on off, Harry Brook looks to block it but the ball bounces off the deck and bounces from over the stumps. Close!
In over# 13
1
2
1
1
3nb
2nb
2
0W
Lockie Ferguson 34/1(3)
12.6
1
Slower one, on leg, Harry Brook helps it to short fine for one.
12.5
2
Lands it down leg, Harry Brook tickles it to fine leg for a brace. The umpire checks for a possible run out at the batter's end but the replay shows that Harry Brook was well in.
12.4
1
Goes fuller this time, Liam Livingstone pushes it to mid off for one.