Harry Brook’s breathtaking century went in vain as England slumped to a four-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the first ODI at Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
Brook, captaining England for the first time, produced a masterclass in controlled aggression, smashing 135 off just 101 balls with 11 sixes and nine fours. His innings accounted for over 60 percent of England’s total of 223, which lasted only 35.2 overs.
Jamie Overton (46) was the only other England batter to reach double figures, as Matt Henry (2/52), Zak Foulkes (4/41), and Jacob Duffy (3/55) ripped through the tourists’ fragile lineup. England’s top order imploded spectacularly — from 10/4 to 56/6 — with Jamie Smith dismissed by Henry off the very first ball of the match. The extras tally (17) even outscored six of England’s top seven batters.
Despite the poor total, England made a fiery start with the ball. Brydon Carse (3/45) struck early to leave New Zealand reeling at 24/3, claiming the prized wicket of Kane Williamson for a golden duck. However, a series of dropped catches cost the visitors dearly.
Michael Bracewell (51) was put down on 2 by Joe Root at slip, while Daryl Mitchell, who went on to make an unbeaten 78 off 91 balls, was dropped by Luke Wood on 33. The pair added a crucial 92 runs for the fifth wicket to swing the match firmly in the hosts’ favor.
Mitchell eventually sealed victory with a leg-side boundary off Adil Rashid (1/69), as New Zealand chased down the target with 80 balls to spare, finishing at 224/6. Mitchell Santner chipped in with a brisk 27, having also been reprieved on 2 by Carse at deep fine leg.
The result handed New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played in Hamilton on Wednesday before the series concludes in Wellington next Saturday. England will then shift focus to their upcoming Ashes campaign in Australia, beginning November 21.
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