New Zealand cruise past England to seal dominant ODI series victory

WEB DESK: New Zealand sealed a convincing five-wicket victory over England in the second ODI at Seddon Park, clinching the three-match series with a game to spare. Chasing a modest target of 176, the hosts reached 177 for 5 in just 33.1 overs, powered by Daryl Mitchell’s composed 52 off 58 balls and Mitchell Santner’s explosive 34 off 17. Blair Tickner, named Player of the Match, starred earlier with a superb 4 for 34, dismantling England for 175 after another dismal batting effort.

Despite Jofra Archer’s fiery return, dismissing Will Young and threatening with two sharp five-over spells, England’s bowlers couldn’t defend the low total. Ravindra anchored New Zealand’s innings with a steady 54 before Archer removed him, but Mitchell and Santner finished the chase in style. Santner’s back-to-back boundaries and a towering six brought shades of Kohli’s MCG heroics as he sealed victory with 101 balls to spare, leaving England searching for answers ahead of the final ODI.

Bowler Blair Tickner has made a sensational return to international cricket, spearheading New Zealand’s attack with a four-wicket burst that dismantled England for just 175. Back in the side after two years, Tickner produced career-best figures of 4 for 34. His comeback carried personal significance, the 32-year-old had stepped away from cricket while his wife battled leukemia, and Wednesday’s performance marked an emotional milestone in his return.

England, inserted to bat first, endured another batting collapse just days after their opening defeat in Mount Maunganui. Only Harry Brook (34) and Jamie Overton (42 off 28) offered resistance as wickets tumbled steadily against New Zealand’s disciplined pace and spin attack.

Jacob Duffy struck early to remove Ben Duckett, while Tickner and Nathan Smith exploited the seam-friendly surface to wreck England’s middle order. Joe Root and Jos Buttler fell cheaply, while Bethell’s mistimed hook summed up the visitors’ frailty.

Overton’s late hitting briefly lifted England past 150, but Tickner ended the fight with two quick strikes, including Overton himself, as England were bundled out inside 36 overs.

The hosts were poised to seal the three-match series 2–0, while England’s recurring batting woes, ten collapses in their last sixteen first innings, continue to haunt them ahead of Jofra Archer’s return for the run chase.