In a thrilling opening One-Day International, England’s Harry Brook delivered an absolutely stunning performance, smashing 135 runs, including 11 massive sixes. Yet, even his career-best heroics weren’t enough to secure a win for his team, as New Zealand ultimately claimed a four-wicket victory.
Harry Brook’s incredible innings (Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)
The Black Caps, playing at their home ground, Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, comfortably chased down England’s target of 224, reaching 224-6 with a remarkable 13 overs to spare. This decisive victory puts New Zealand in a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Daryl Mitchell hitting the winning runs to finish unbeaten on 78.
New Zealand’s triumph was set up by a stellar bowling display, particularly from Zakary Foulkes, who ripped through England’s top order. Foulkes claimed an impressive 4-41, leaving England reeling at 10-4 and later 56-6 during the crucial early phases of their innings.
Brook’s magnificent innings, now his personal best in One-Day Internationals, was highlighted by a sensational moment where he smashed three consecutive sixes off Jacob Duffy to bring up his century. Facing 101 balls, he was the final English batsman to be dismissed, having eclipsed his previous highest score of 110 not out against Australia just last year.
Reflecting on his innings, Brook commented, “I felt like I was in good touch. Obviously we didn’t get off to a great start and I tried to take it upon myself to have a counterpunch. I tried to get us to a decent total that we could defend. I thought we started really nicely with the ball but we just struggled to take wickets throughout the middle.”
Adding valuable support to Brook’s effort was Jamie Overton, who scored a career-best 46 runs. Together, they forged a crucial 87-run partnership for the seventh wicket, attempting to rebuild England’s faltering innings.
Earlier in the game, Matt Henry set the tone for New Zealand’s dominant bowling performance, taking 2-53, including the early dismissal of Jamie Smith with the very first ball. Zakary Foulkes then capitalized on this pressure, swiftly removing key batsmen Ben Duckett and Joe Root in his impressive opening over.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised his bowlers, stating, “They were outstanding. We know Matt Henry can do that but I think Zak was outstanding the way he swung it. We knew we had to keep taking wickets. Brooky’s a little bit earlier would have been nice, he was outstanding today.”
Despite their eventual victory, New Zealand’s chase wasn’t without its early struggles, as Brydon Carse inflicted some damage, taking 3-45 and leaving them at a precarious 24-3. Notably, Kane Williamson, making his return after almost eight months, suffered a rare golden duck – his first in 166 ODIs.
Daryl Mitchell was instrumental in stabilizing the innings, building crucial partnerships with Tom Latham (24 runs) and Michael Bracewell (51 runs). He also had a slice of luck, surviving a dropped catch when he was on 33 runs, which proved to be a turning point in New Zealand’s successful pursuit.
The series will now move to Hamilton for the second match on Wednesday, followed by the final encounter in Wellington on Saturday. This ODI series follows England’s 1-0 win in the preceding T20 series, which saw two matches unfortunately abandoned due to rain.