Christchurch, October 20, 2025: England produced a commanding all-round performance to crush New Zealand by 65 runs in the second T20 International at Hagley Oval on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Captain Harry Brook led from the front with a blistering 78 off 35 balls, while Phil Salt hammered 85 off 56 deliveries, powering England to a record 236 for 4 — the highest-ever T20I total at the venue.
Openers Salt and Jos Buttler set the tone early, with Salt launching an early assault against Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy. Although Buttler departed cheaply, Salt continued aggressively, adding 68 runs in the Powerplay with Jacob Bethell.
Brook’s arrival transformed the innings further. He dominated the New Zealand bowlers with clean hitting, smashing five sixes and seven fours, including a 19-run over against Mitchell Santner. His 129-run stand with Salt laid the foundation for England’s mammoth total.
Tom Banton added late fireworks with an unbeaten 29 off 12 balls, ensuring England crossed the 230 mark for the first time against New Zealand.
Chasing 237, New Zealand’s reply faltered early as Brydon Carse struck twice in the opening over, removing Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra. Despite a brief resistance from Tim Seifert (28) and Mark Chapman (33), the hosts collapsed after the Powerplay.
Spinner Adil Rashid cleaned up the lower order, taking crucial wickets including James Neesham and Mitchell Santner (35 off 18), as New Zealand were bowled out for 171 in 18.3 overs.
With the emphatic victory, England now lead the series 1-0, with the final T20I scheduled in Wellington later this week.
