Table of Contents
New Zealand defeated England by 4 wickets in the first ODI at Mount Maunganui marking a thrilling start to the three-match series as the hosts chased down 224 with 80 balls to spare despite a gallant hundred from England skipper Harry Brook in a dramatic Day-Night encounter at the Bay Oval.
Harry Brook’s fighting hundred lifts England from ruins
England endured a horror start after New Zealand’s decision to bowl first proved right as Matt Henry and debutant Zak Foulkes ripped through the top order leaving the visitors reeling at 10 for 4 inside six overs. Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell all departed cheaply against a swinging new ball before captain Brook began a spirited counterattack that revived England’s innings.
Brook came in with his team in deep trouble and produced one of the finest ODI knocks in recent memory striking nine fours and eleven sixes en route to a blazing 135 off 101 balls at a strike rate above 133. His innings accounted for an astonishing 60.53 percent of England’s total – the highest share by any English batter in a completed ODI innings surpassing Robin Smith’s 1993 record. Partnering with Jamie Overton who contributed 46 from 54 Brook guided England from 56 for 6 to 143 for 7 before falling in the 36th over to Mitchell Santner.
His dismissal signalled the end of resistance as England were bowled out for 223 in 35.2 overs. Foulkes impressed on debut claiming 4 for 41 while Duffy picked three wickets and Henry added two key scalps. Fans hailed Brook’s brilliance online calling him “the next Kevin Pietersen” and applauded his fearless shot-making that kept England’s hopes alive.
Daryl Mitchell cruise New Zealand home after early collapse
New Zealand’s chase was far from straightforward as Brydon Carse removed Will Young and Kane Williamson in a fiery opening spell leaving the hosts at 12 for 2 and soon 24 for 3 when Rachin Ravindra was caught behind off Luke Wood. However Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a composed 42-run partnership before Latham fell for 24. The game tilted again when Michael Bracewell joined Mitchell adding 92 runs for the fifth wicket to push New Zealand past 150. Bracewell was run out for 51 but by then the momentum had shifted firmly toward the Black Caps.
Mitchell remained the rock of the innings remaining unbeaten on 78 from 91 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes steering New Zealand to victory in 36.4 overs alongside skipper Santner and Nathan Smith. Carse finished with the best figures for England taking 3 for 45 but his effort was not enough as the hosts’ calculated approach overpowered England’s modest total. The win gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series continuing their home dominance against the visitors while Brook’s lone brilliance stood as a bittersweet memory for England supporters who lamented another case of individual heroics going in vain.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Harry Brook Literally Generational Talent, In Tough Pitches Also he finds runs
We should Appreciate This Kind Of Players Irrespective Of The Country
— Dishant (ROHIT NATION) (@Dishant_45)
Daryl Mitchell has an insane record against England when it comes to being a lone warrior and saving his team from defeat. He continues to haunt us. I myself remember a lot of such innings
— Cricdoc (@Peroneal_)
Once we had the best number 4 odi batsman in the world Ross Taylor in our team and now we have Daryl Mitchell the new number 4 best odi batsman currently in the world
New Zealand hasn't missed Taylor at all
— 𝘿𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙠 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙣 (@foreverblackcap)
New Zealand beat England in the 1st ODI.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Daryl Mitchell is literally the johnny sins of cricket. Fits every role you can think of! 🙌🏻
— The PCT Army.🇵🇰 (@thepctarmy)
🚨 Black Caps Take the Lead!
New Zealand win by 4 wickets in a nail-biting finish – Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell steer them home! 🔥
Despite Harry Brook's brilliant 135, England fall short in the first ODI. 🇳🇿🏏
Scorecard: …
— bet88visa.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Starting the Chemist Warehouse ODI series with a WIN in Tauranga
Daryl Mitchell finishes with a solid 78*— sports__life (@statecraft__)
🇳🇿 Clinical performance from the BlackCaps!! A special mention to the solid partnership of Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. A good cameo from Mitchell Santner.
🇳🇿 seals the 1st ODI by 4 wickets.
— WeymarOnCricket (@weymarplanet)
Daryl Mitchell 78* wins it for New Zealand comfortably in the end but it was Harry Brook 134 (101) with 11 Sixes who made a match of this after England were 10-4 and then 33-5 at one stage.
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall)
NEW ZEALAND WON BY 4 WICKETS AGAINST ENGLAND IN 1ST ODI 💛
– Well played Saviour Daryl Mitchell 78 not out 😎
Santa – 27 | Bracewell – 51 | Latham – 24 | Rachin – 17
— Prakash (@definitelynot05)
Player of the Match: Harry Brook 🥇
— bet88visa.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Also READ: Top 5 players with most ODI hundreds against Australia ft. Rohit Sharma
