In a rain-infected clash at Southampton, England categorically defeated New Zealand by 79 runs, drawing the one-day international series level. The battle, pared back to 34 overs a side, saw England stumble to a shaky 55-5 start after being lodged in to bat.
However, the day was saved by a standout performance by Liam Livingstone, smashing an unbeaten 95 from just 78 balls in a seventh-wicket stand of 112 with Sam Curran – a performance that bolstered England to a sturdy 226-7. Reece Topley also stepped up to the plate, scooping an impressive 3-27 and sending New Zealand tumbling to 147 all out.
Trent Boult, returning to the side after almost a year’s absence, swiftly had his presence felt, cutting England to a lean 8-3, leaving Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes scraping together a meager seven runs combined. A brief resurgence driven by Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali bought some time for Livingstone and Curran to build a formidable total.
In his first innings, David Willey bowled Finn Allen with his second ball, starting England’s brilliance on the bowling end. New Zealand found a lifeline in Mitchell, whose steady chase gave the Black Caps some hope. Nonetheless, the relentless pressure applied by England saw New Zealand’s last six wickets crumble for a mere 36 runs.
Livingstone’s adaptability was England’s trump card of the day. Despite Boult’s early attack, Livingstone and Moeen collaborated to pile up 48 for the sixth wicket. Curran, matched Livingstone’s feat, registering a valuable 42 from 35 balls.
Despite a promising start with sublime tons by Mitchell and Devon Conway in the first ODI, New Zealand’s middle order didn’t quite live up to the challenge and resulted in the team falling under the strain of attempting to boost the stagnant run-rate.
England’s bowling attack received a fresh lease of life in the second match. Topley’s impressive display demonstrated England’s improved all-around performance, with support from Willey’s lethal swinging ball and Atkinson’s maiden ODI wicket. England’s bowling depth showed promise, even in the absence of their power player, Adil Rashid, who sat out due to mild calf tightness.
Jos Buttler expressed his delight over the performance of the team. He commended the fantastic partnership between Livingstone and Curran, which was a testament to the team’s positive approach. He noted that the team’s ODI mindset, attacking batting depth, and the versatility offered by the left-arm seam from Willey, Curran, and Topley have England with several enviable options.
Buttler was also quick to laud the improvement in powerplay bowling and overall performance with the ball. With the series now at 1-1, the battle resumes at The Kia Oval on Wednesday.
