Blair Tickner marked his return to the New Zealand squad with a superb four-wicket haul, inspiring the hosts to a five-wicket win over England in the second ODI at Hamilton. The victory handed the Black Caps an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
After losing a rain-hit T20I series at home, New Zealand turned the tables emphatically, dominating England across both ODIs to seal the series with a match to spare. Tickner, who was named Player of the Match, delivered a match-defining spell of 4/38.
Felt really good, didn’t expect to play today. I was having a barbecue and got a message that I’ll play. We wanted early wickets, and the boys kept it going. I’ve had a long winter in England, so I’m enjoying my cricket back home. Great to have my family here.
England Collapse After Early Blows
England’s batting crumbled once again, dismissed for just 175 in 36 overs. Jamie Overton’s quickfire 42 and captain Harry Brook’s 34 were the only significant contributions, as regular wickets prevented any momentum. The early strikes came through Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes, while Tickner and Nathan Smith dismantled the middle and lower order.
Disappointing. We’ve got to come back stronger. The wickets are good to bat on — you just need to get past the first 15–20 balls and cash in. We wanted to entertain, but it hasn’t happened in the last two games.
Ravindra, Mitchell Steady the Chase
Chasing a modest 176, New Zealand stumbled early when Jofra Archer dismissed Will Young for a duck in the opening over. But Rachin Ravindra (54) and Kane Williamson steadied the innings before Daryl Mitchell took charge with an unbeaten 56. Mitchell’s composed partnership with Mitchell Santner (34*), worth 59 runs for the sixth wicket, ensured a comfortable finish as the hosts cruised to 177/5 in 33.1 overs.
Santner Praises Bowlers After Series Win
Captain Mitchell Santner credited his bowlers for setting up the win.
Great game for us. Started with the ball — restricting them to 170 took a special effort. Kane and Ravindra ensured we weren’t three or four down early. Tickner’s world-class. We trust guys to step in and deliver.
Brief Scores: England 175 all out in 36 overs (Jamie Overton 42, Harry Brook 34, Joe Root 25; Blair Tickner 4-34, Nathan Smith 2-27) New Zealand 177/5 in 33.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 54, Daryl Mitchell 56*, Mitchell Santner 34*; Jofra Archer 3-23) Result: New Zealand won by five wickets; lead series 2-0.
