In the opening match of the three-game ODI series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, England looked set for a decent total until they collapsed dramatically to 56-6 inside 12 overs. Entering the fray under pressure, Harry Brook counter-punched with a savage 135 off 101 balls, including 11 sixes, apparently rescuing his side. Together with Jamie Overton’s 46 they lifted England to 223 all out in 35.2 overs—a score that felt competitive given the early wreckage.
However, the home side needed a recovery themselves. New Zealand lost four wickets early in pursuit of 224, including former captain Kane Williamson for a golden duck in his first match since March. But a key partnership between Daryl Mitchell (78 not out) and Michael Bracewell (51) steadied the chase, with support from Mitch Santner’s unbeaten 27, as New Zealand reached their target with 36.4 overs to spare.
Brook’s innings was a testament to individual resolve—especially after England’s top order disintegrated—but cricket is a team sport and the fielding and bowling lapses from England allowed the hosts back into the contest. He reflected as much: “I felt I was in good touch… I tried to take it up on myself to have a counter-punch.” For England it raises questions: one player can shine but without collective support and sustained pressure you risk conceding a match you seemingly handed yourself.
For New Zealand the win underlined their ability to absorb early shocks in the chase, rebuild, and stay composed. Mitchell and Bracewell’s partnership was “massive” according to Santner, and the team showed intent even when the chase looked vulnerable.
In short, Brook’s thunderous ton may go down among his better knocks, but it counted for little in the result. England showed fight, but New Zealand showed resilience—and that turned the game.
