Second T20 at Emirates Old Trafford: A Showcase of English Prowess
England 198-4 (20 overs): Jonny Bairstow stays unbeaten with 86 off 60, Harry Brook sizzles with 67 off 36; Ish Sodhi picks up 2-44
New Zealand 103 (13.5 overs): Tim Seifert manages 39 off 31; Gus Atkinson debuts with 4-20
England Triumphs by 95 Runs
Scorecard Details
England’s batting lineup was nothing short of spectacular as they decimated New Zealand with a staggering 95-run victory in the second T20 at Old Trafford. Jonny Bairstow remained unscathed with a masterful 86 off 60 balls, while Harry Brook unleashed a rapid 67 off 36, leading England to a daunting total of 198-4.
New kid on the block, Gus Atkinson, wasted no time introducing himself on his international debut, picking up 4 wickets for just 20 runs as New Zealand’s batting unit disintegrated, managing only 103 runs before getting bowled out.
This victory puts England firmly in the driver’s seat with a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.
After an early hiccup, losing Will Jacks for 19 and Dawid Malan without troubling the scorers, the partnership of Brook and Bairstow amassed 131 runs for the third wicket.
New Zealand felt the heat from the get-go. Atkinson made his intentions clear, dismissing opener Devon Conway in his opening over.
Veteran leggie Adil Rashid chimed in with a frugal 2-18, becoming England’s top wicket-taker in T20s. Tim Seifert was the lone Kiwi to offer some resistance with 39 runs, with Glenn Phillips’ 22 being the only other notable contribution. England proved once again that their victory at Chester-le-Street was no fluke, delivering a second commanding performance.
Brook’s Batting Symphony
Harry Brook, the 24-year-old prodigy, has been on a tear lately. Despite not making the cut for England’s 50-over World Cup squad, he silenced critics with a scorching century in The Hundred. In this match, Brook set the Manchester crowd ablaze with an innings that had New Zealand’s bowlers scratching their heads.
In a performance brimming with power and finesse, Brook sent two of his five sixes sailing over extra cover off Ish Sodhi’s bowling within his first 10 balls. His partnership with Bairstow turned out to be a game-changer, transforming what initially appeared to be a slightly hesitant Bairstow, who reached his half-century in 40 balls and then rocketed to 77 in just seven more deliveries.
Questions surrounding Brook’s absence from the 50-over squad are getting louder, and after this sublime showing, they aren’t going anywhere.
Atkinson’s Debut to Remember
England’s search for potent fast bowlers seems to be yielding results. While Brydon Carse had made headlines with his performance in one-day internationals, Atkinson made a splash with the best T20 debut figures for an England male bowler.
He clocked over 90 mph effortlessly, bamboozling New Zealand’s batsmen. Seifert fell victim to a catch behind the stumps, Tim Southee was trapped lbw, and Lockie Ferguson’s stumps were shattered by a killer yorker. This led to New Zealand losing their last five wickets in a mere 12 balls, underlining their all-around struggle.
With the likes of Mark Wood and maybe even Jofra Archer to join England’s white-ball brigade, New Zealand is unlikely to be the last team to face this firepower.
Reactions and Looking Ahead
Gus Atkinson on his debut: “I had no idea these were the best T20 debut figures for an England bowler. I was just doing what I’ve always done, and it paid off big time.”
New Zealand’s Tim Southee admitted: “England came out guns blazing. Brook especially put us on the back foot. Our bowlers struggled, and that set a difficult task for our batters.”
Jos Buttler, England’s skipper, praised Harry Brook: “Harry is in phenomenal form. Although there’s buzz about the World Cup squad, his current form speaks volumes. We’ve got a long road ahead, and who knows what might happen.”
Harry Brook summed it up: “I try to play as naturally as possible. A few years back, I was lost in dreams of playing for England and neglected my county duties. This time, I focused, and it’s paying dividends.”
The series will resume at Edgbaston this Sunday, and if the first two matches are anything to go by, we’re in for more fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England vs New Zealand Second T20 Highlights
What was the final score of the England vs New Zealand second T20 match?
England posted a total of 198-4 in 20 overs, and New Zealand was bowled out for 103 runs in 13.5 overs. England won the match by 95 runs.
Who were the standout performers for England?
Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook were the stars with the bat, scoring 86* off 60 balls and 67 off 36 balls, respectively. Gus Atkinson shone in his international debut with bowling figures of 4-20.
How did Harry Brook’s performance impact the game?
Harry Brook’s 67 off 36 balls was a game-changer. He combined power with finesse and built a partnership with Jonny Bairstow that took the game away from New Zealand. His innings included five sixes and left New Zealand’s bowlers bewildered.
Who was the leading wicket-taker for England?
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid took 2 wickets for 18 runs and became England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals.
Why was Gus Atkinson’s debut significant?
Gus Atkinson’s 4-20 are the best figures by any England men’s bowler on their T20 debut. His bowling was a key factor in New Zealand getting bowled out for just 103.
What does this win mean for the four-match series?
The win gives England a 2-0 lead in the four-match series, putting them in a very strong position to clinch the series.
What was the reaction of New Zealand’s captain Tim Southee?
Tim Southee admitted that England played brilliantly and especially praised Harry Brook for his aggressive batting. He mentioned that their bowlers struggled, which made it difficult for their batsmen to chase down the large target.
What’s next in the series?
The series will continue at Edgbaston on Sunday. Given the fireworks in the first two matches, the next game promises to be equally exciting.
Was Harry Brook a part of England’s provisional 50-over World Cup squad?
No, Harry Brook was not selected in England’s provisional 50-over World Cup squad. However, his current form is raising questions about that decision.
How did Tim Seifert perform for New Zealand?
Tim Seifert was the top scorer for New Zealand, managing 39 runs off 31 balls. However, his efforts were not enough to take New Zealand close to England’s total.
More about England vs New Zealand Second T20 Highlights
- Full Scorecard of England vs New Zealand Second T20
- Harry Brook’s T20 Career Statistics
- Gus Atkinson’s Cricket Profile
- Adil Rashid Becomes England’s Leading T20 Wicket-taker
- England vs New Zealand T20 Series Schedule
- Reaction from England Captain Jos Buttler
- Reaction from New Zealand Captain Tim Southee
- Overview of The Hundred
- Jonny Bairstow’s Cricket Career
10 comments
Jos Buttler is right. Having so many players in form is a good headache. We’re spoilt for choices.
Bairstow and Brook were like Batman and Robin out there. Those NZ bowlers must be having nightmares right about now lol.
If Brook keeps this up, they gotta reconsider that World Cup squad. I mean c’mon, the guy’s on fire!
Atkinson on debut? 4-20? Are you kidding me! That’s what I call a “hello world” moment in international cricket.
Man, what a game! Harry Brook’s sixes were outta this world. The kiwis didn’t even kno what hit ’em.
Just a regular day at the office for England eh? Another win in the bag. Keep em comin’ boys!
Interesting to see Adil Rashid becoming England’s leading wicket-taker in T20s. The guy’s been consistent for years now.
This pretty much seals the series for England, doesn’t it? NZ will have to do something extraordinary to come back now.
that atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric, Brook and Bairstow just fed off it. Hope we bring that same energy to Edgbaston.
Ugh, hard to watch as a New Zealander but well played England. At least Seifert showed some fight.