A memorable comeback by Ben Stokes who not only hit a century but also broke the highest individual record from his team. England shows a one sided domination by defeating New Zealand by 181 runs.
England scored 368/10 in 48.1 overs and blackcaps put 187/10 in 39 overs.
With this victory England now leads the series by 2-1. They won the 2nd ODI by Livingstone’s destructive innings by 79 runs where Kiwi won the 1st match with the help of Daryl and Conway centuries by 8 wickets.
After winning the toss NZ opted to bowl first.
England got a very poor start as they lost 2 early wickets in just 13 runs. Jonny Bairstow goes out in the very first ball of the innings whereas Joe Root (4 runs) only manages little contribution from his side.
After that a superb partnership built between Dawid Malan (96 runs) and Ben Stokes (182 runs) of 199 runs. Malan missed his century by 4 runs and Stokes missed his double ton by 18 runs. If Ben manages to score a double century then he will be the first man from his country to do so in that international match. Still he broke the record of Jason Roy (180 runs) of highest individual scorer from his side.
Malan in his innings hit 12 fours and a six while Ben hit 15 fours and 9 sixes and took 124 balls to reach that milestone. Jos Butler (38 runs) also shows good hands in between. But after the departure of Ben the whole team suddenly scrambled and put 368 runs in 48.1 overs and lost all their wickets.
Trent Boult also showed his comeback in a great manner and took 5 wickets, due to him only England couldn’t score more runs as he consistently put trouble for them. Ben Lister just played his 2nd ODI and took 3 wickets. Lockie Ferguson and Glenn Phillips got 1 wicket each.
Kiwi were struggling from the very start of the innings as they were unable to hold partnerships that eventually won the match. They lost 4 wickets in just 37 runs. Glenn Phillps (72 runs) tries to hold up the innings along with Rachin Ravindra (22 runs). But as the asking run rate was too high due to which these two were also unable to get the win.
Phillips hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in his knock. Remaining players were not trying to stick to the pitch and got out one after the other. As a result they only managed to put 187 runs on the board in 39 overs by losing all the wickets.
Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone took 3 wickets each. Reece Topley got 2 wickets. While Sam Curran and Moeen Ali got 1 wicket each.
Ben Stokes, England, Player of the Match
“Really pleased. Apologise to Jason ( for breaking his record). We spoke about putting New Zealand under pressure and getting to a good start and even after losing early wickets, we wanted to be positive. Once we got going, we didn’t want them to settle. As experienced players, we need to guide the younger players. Malan is a very consistent player. He is a very quality player, rotates the strike very well as well and missed out on the milestone after getting a strangle down leg. I’m feeling very much better. Test matches are a bit longer but ODIs surely are not that demanding.”
Tom Latham, New Zealand Captain
“The way Stokesy and Dawid played – Played outstandingly. Halfway mark we thought we pulled it nicely towards the last 10-15 overs. Knew we had to bat well. But 40/4, it’s hard from there. The way they bowled in the top 10 overs, getting movement in the air and off the surface. We weren’t able to build partnerships. Wouldn’t say it’s concerning. Have to see what we can do better when our backs are up against the wall. Thoroughly outplayed today.”
Jos Butler, England Captain
“Really pleased with the performance. Spoke at the toss about wanting to be more aggressive. Malan and Stokes had a brilliant partnership to put the pressure back on. There’s levels we can keep achieving. There’s more in the tank as well, which is exciting. That’s the English way. Stokesy’s innings was incredibly special. Dawid’s done brilliantly well every time he’s got his chance. That opening spell was as good as it gets from Woakes and Topley. Most important thing was that message of being aggressive. Feels we are heading in the right direction.”