England have scored a huge 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20 match, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-game series. The match was played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where England set a new ground record with a total of 236–4 – their fifth-highest T20 score ever.
Phil Salt and captain Harry Brook were the stars of the show, smashing a 129-run partnership from just 69 balls. Salt hit 85 runs from 56 balls, while Brook struck 78 from 35, including five sixes. Brook was named Player of the Match for his powerful and clever batting.
The match saw New Zealand drop several important catches, including one that gave Brook a second chance. England took full advantage, ending with a strong finish from Tom Banton, who added 29 runs off just 12 balls.
New Zealand had a difficult task chasing the record total. Although they made a decent start, reaching 87–2 after nine overs, England’s bowlers quickly took control. Spinner Adil Rashid led the attack with four wickets, and New Zealand were all out for 171 in 18 overs.
England’s fielding was sharp, with 10 catches taken, while spinners Rashid and Liam Dawson shared six wickets between them. Fast bowler Brydon Carse also impressed, taking two key wickets early in the innings.
The final match of the series will be played in Auckland on Thursday, where England have the chance to seal the series win.
