England vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights: New Zealand Beat England by 4 Wickets, Despite Harry Brook’s Brilliant Innings

New Zealand put up a resounding performance against England in the first ODI at Bay Oval, winning by four wickets. With this victory, the hosts have taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. While New Zealand lost the T20 series 0-1, their efforts to level the score by winning the ODI series appear to be paying off.

 Mitchell and Bracewell Guide New Zealand to a Strong Win Despite Harry Brook’s Brilliant Innings

England, batting first after losing the toss, had a disastrous start. The team lost six crucial wickets for just 56 runs, and it seemed they would soon be all out. However, captain Harry Brook held one end and, with his explosive batting, rescued the team from trouble. Brook played a blistering innings of 135 runs off 101 balls, including 11 sixes and nine fours. He shared a crucial 87-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Jamie Overton (46) off 86 balls. Apart from Jamie Overton, no other England batsman could reach double figures.

Young bowler Zachary Foulkes bowled brilliantly for New Zealand, taking four wickets for 41 runs, while Jacob Duffy took three. Veteran Matt Henry took two wickets and Mitchell Santner took one. Chasing a modest target of 224, New Zealand's start was poor.

The team suffered two major blows in the last two balls of the second over. Opener Will Young (5) and returning veteran Kane Williamson (0) were dismissed off the first ball. Williamson's golden duck was disappointing for New Zealand fans. Opener Rachin Ravindra (17) also failed to play a big innings, departing early. New Zealand were struggling at 66 for four.

In a difficult situation, veteran batsman Daryl Mitchell first shared a 42-run partnership with Tom Latham (24). He then, along with Michael Bracewell, put the team on course for victory with an unbroken 92-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Mitchell played a responsible innings, remaining unbeaten on 78 off 91 balls, including two sixes and seven fours.

Bracewell also contributed a crucial 51 runs to support him. This partnership dashed England's hopes of victory. Brydon Carse was the most successful bowler for England, taking three wickets. Luke Wood and Adil Rashid each took one wicket.

ALSO SEE: Abhishek Nayar Appointed as Kolkata Knight Rider's New Head Coach After Chandrakant Pandit Resigns: Reports