Harry Brook’s brilliant 135 could not save England as New Zealand won the first ODI by four wickets at Bay Oval on Sunday.
England batted first and had a terrible start. They lost early wickets and were 5 for 3, then 10 for 4, and later 56 for 6. Brook stood tall amid the collapse. His superb 135 from 101 balls helped England reach 223 in 35.2 overs.
New Zealand also struggled early while chasing 224. They were 66 for 4 after a sharp spell from Brydon Carse, who took three wickets with the new ball. But Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell rescued the innings with a 92-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Bracewell scored 51, while Mitchell remained unbeaten on 78 to guide New Zealand home with more than 13 overs left. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
England’s troubles began when debutant Zakary Foulkes tore through the top order. He dismissed Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell cheaply after Matt Henry removed Jamie Smith for a duck. England were 10 for 4 within the first six overs.
Captain Jos Buttler fell to Henry, and Sam Curran was out soon after, leaving England at 56 for 6. Brook then took control. He reached fifty in 36 balls and added 87 runs with Jamie Overton, who made 46.
Brook continued to attack even as wickets fell. He smashed three sixes in a row off Jacob Duffy to reach his century and later repeated the feat against Henry. His innings pushed England past 200 before the team was bowled out for 223.
In reply, Carse removed Will Young and Kane Williamson early. Luke Wood dismissed Rachin Ravindra, and Carse returned to send Tom Latham back. At 66 for 4, New Zealand looked in trouble.
But Bracewell and Mitchell changed the game. Bracewell had some luck when Root dropped him on 2, and Mitchell was given another life on 33. They took full advantage and steadied the chase.
Bracewell was run out with 66 needed, but Mitchell finished strongly. Mitchell Santner joined in, hitting two quick sixes before falling for 27. Mitchell then sealed the win with a boundary over backward square, giving New Zealand a comfortable victory.
