HIGHLIGHTS New Zealand vs England, England in New Zealand 3 ODI Series 2025, 2nd ODI- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for the second essay. The players return to the park. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young stride out to open for New Zealand. It will be Jofra Archer to begin with the ball for England. Here we go!

…THE RUN CHASE…

Chasing a target of 176, New Zealand will be confident of completing the job and securing an unassailable 2-0 lead. The top three batsmen will be hoping to make amends after falling short in the first match. Can the hosts chase down the total comfortably, or will the England bowlers put up a fight? We’ll soon find out. Stay tuned for the second essay.

For New Zealand, the pace bowlers stepped up admirably, proving that Matt Henry’s absence was not a major setback. Blair Tickner, brought in to replace Henry, impressed with outstanding figures of 4/34 from his 8 overs. Nathan Smith contributed with two wickets, while Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell each chipped in with one, rounding off a comprehensive bowling performance from the Black Caps.

England’s batting woes continued as they were dismissed for a meager 175 in just 36 overs. A few batters showed promise, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, preventing any meaningful partnerships. Root (25), Bethell (18), and Brook (34) all offered glimpses of resistance, yet none were able to build on their starts. Jamie Overton’s 42 down the order stood out, adding some much-needed runs, but it wasn’t enough to salvage what was another disappointing batting display from England, as they fell well short of completing their allotted overs.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, OUT! CAUGHT! ALL OVER FOR ENGLAND! Back of a length delivery, around off. Adil Rashid pulls it straight to Michael Bracewell at short mid-wicket region. He takes a sharp catch, and Rashid is a goner. England are bundled out for 175.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, On a hard length, at the stumps. Adil Rashid blocks on the front foot, down the pitch.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, Good length delivery on off. Adil Rashid defends toward point.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, Banged short, around off. Adil Rashid mistimes the pull to mid-on.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, Good length delivery on off. Adil Rashid defends it toward backward point.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, Fuller than a length on off. Adil Rashid drives it to the left of the bowler.

Mitchell Santner to Adil Rashid, Tossed up on off. Pushed through the gap at cover for one.

Mitchell Santner to Adil Rashid, Flatter arm ball, on off. Rashid hangs back and dabs it toward short third.

Mitchell Santner to Adil Rashid, Tossed up on the middle and leg. Rashid blocks forward.

Mitchell Santner to Adil Rashid, SIX! UP AND AWAY! Looped up on off. Rashid sits low and slogs it over the cow corner fence for half a dozen.

Mitchell Santner to Adil Rashid, Looped on off. Rashid prods and defends to short point.

Mitchell Santner to Adil Rashid, Floated on the middle. Adil Rashid defends forward.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, Length and outside off. This is slapped to sweeper cover for a single.

Blair Tickner to Jofra Archer, This is short and outside off. Archer bends back and ramps it to third man for a single.

Blair Tickner to Jofra Archer, Shorter and wide of off. Left alone.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, A single now as Rashid drops it to third man.

Blair Tickner to Adil Rashid, Short in length and around off. Rashid taps it to point.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, OUT! GONE! Jamie Overton goes and the hopes for 200 vanishes with him as well. Blair Tickner bumps it short and outside off. Jamie Overton tries to power it as he slashes but mistimes it straight to mid off where Mitchell Santner tracks back and takes a dolly.

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, Maiden over! Looped up full and around off. Archer defends it out.

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, Very full and on middle and off. Jofra Archer leans across and blocks it out.

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, Floated on middle and leg. Jofra Archer flicks it to mid-wicket.

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, Tossed up full and around off. JA defends it well.

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, Very full and flighted with an angle on off. Archer tries to dig it out but manages an inside edge onto the pads.

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, An arm ball, full and on middle, this is blocked out.

Blair Tickner to Jofra Archer, Serves a low full toss on middle. Jofra Archer clips it to square leg and keeps the strike with a single.

Blair Tickner to Brydon Carse, OUT! GONE! Carse falls to the trap. Tickner is pumped up. Drops it short and on middle. Carse pulls but the ball shoots up and takes the top edge to deep square leg. Daryl Mitchell runs in and dives forward to take a brilliant catch.

Blair Tickner to Brydon Carse, Attacks the stumps with a fuller delivery. Carse blocks it to mid off.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, Bowls it very full and in the blockhole. Overton digs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, A low full toss outside off. Jamie Overton punches it straight to cover.

Blair Tickner to Brydon Carse, A length ball outside off. Carse cuts it to point for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Brydon Carse, Looped up outside off. Driven toward deep extra cover for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Brydon Carse, Tossed up on off. Pushed to the man at short cover.

Mitchell Santner to Brydon Carse, Flatter, outside off. Carse lets it go.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Tossed up on off. Eased to long off for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Overpitched around off. Overton drills it through the covers for a lovely boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Tossed up full, on off. Jamie Overton sits low and looks to sweep it across the line. He misses and gets struck in front. Appeal from the bowler is turned down by the umpire. Mitchell Santner goes for the review. The ball tracking shows the impact outside off stump and Overston stays on.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, Short and outside off. Overton pulls hard on the bounce to deep midwicket for one.

Blair Tickner to Brydon Carse, Fuller than a length, around off. Carse shimmies down and drills this toward deep extra cover for a single.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, Banged in short, outside off. Overton pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Slower ball on a length, on off. Jamie Overton gives the charge and hammers it over the long on fence for a dismissive hit.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, FOUR! SMASHED! Short of a good length on off. Jamie Overton goes back and pulls it hard to deep mid-wicket for a powerful boundary.

Blair Tickner to Jamie Overton, Good length on middle. Overton defends back to the bowler.

Michael Bracewell to Brydon Carse, Quicker again, sliding in on off. Carse hangs back and keeps it out.

Michael Bracewell to Brydon Carse, Flatter delivery on off. Carse defends from the crease.

Brydon Carse comes in at number 9.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Michael Bracewell gets among the wickets. Quicker arm ball, drifts into the middle and straightens after pitching. Curran stays back and looks to work it across the line, the ball beats his outside edge and hits the top of the stumps. Sam Curran is a goner. England slide further.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Quicker arm ball, on off. Sam Curran knocks it toward backward point.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, Fuller and quicker on the leg. Jamie Overton flicks this past mid-wicket for one.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Flatter arm ball, on middle. Curran knocks it down to long-on for one.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Looped up on the leg. Swept toward deep backward square leg for one.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, FOUR! PUNISHED! Dropped short, on the middle and leg. Sam Curran goes back and pulls it hard to deep backward square leg for a crushing boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Floated on off. Driven to the man at mid off.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Tossed up on middle. Jamie Overton drills it to long-off for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, FOUR! BANG! Tossed up full, around off. Jamie Overton makes room and thumps it down to long off for a cracking boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Quicker arm ball, on off. Jamie Overton blocks from the crease.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, Flatter and at the stumps. Jamie Overton shimmies down and knocks it to long on for one.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, On a length, turning into the middle. Overton nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Looped up full, on off. Curran heaves it toward deep mid-wicket off the inner half for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, Tossed up on the full, around off. Jamie Overton shimmies down and chips it over mid off for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Tad short, around off. Michael Bracewell cuts this through point for one.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, Flatter on the leg. Jamie Overton works it through square leg for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Flatter and quicker at the stumps. Curran backs away and knocks it to Santner.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Tossed up on off. Pushed back to the bowler.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Looped up full, around off. Drilled to long-off for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, SIX! BOOM! Tossed up full, just outside off. Jamie Overton reaches for it and tonks it over the long-on boundary for a towering hit.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Flatter arm ball, on off. Overton punches into covers.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Tad short, on off. Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Floated full, on off. Curran pushes it through the gap at covers for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, Tad short, around off. Jamie Overton cuts it to deep point for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Flatter arm ball, on the middle and leg. Knocked down to long-on for one.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, BYE! Tossed up on a length and spins late to beat the outside edge of Overton. A fumble from Latham allows the bye.

Michael Bracewell to Jamie Overton, FOUR! NICELY DONE! Tad short, outside off. Jamie Overton stays back and steers it through the backward point region, beats the man in the deep and gets his first boundary.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Flatter arm ball, on off. Curran knocks it past the man at short extra cover for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Tossed up on a length, outside off. Jamie Overton shimmies down and flays it through the backward point region for a couple.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Touch short, just outside off. Curran cuts this to deep point for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Flatter, around off. Punched off the back foot through covers for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Overton, Tossed up full, on middle. Overton blocks forward.

Jamie Overton is in at number 8.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, OUT! WHAT A CATCH! Mitchell Santner gets his opposite number! Tad short, slower through the air, and outside off. Brook waits and cuts it hard toward the point region. Will Young moves swiftly to his left and plucks out a one-handed stunner. That is a special grab and the English skipper is back in the hutch. England are six down.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Looped up full, around off. Brook drives it to short extra cover.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Fuller and quicker at the stumps. Curran pushes it to the left of the bowler who does well to get across and stop it.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Tad short, around off. Curran knocks it to the man at point.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Floated full, at the stumps. Driven back to the bowler.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Tossed up on the middle and leg. Pushed back down the pitch toward Bracewell.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Looped up on the middle. Curran pushes it back to the bowler.

Michael Bracewell to Harry Brook, Tossed up on the middle and leg. Clipped to deep mid-wicket for one.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Flatter arm ball, on the middle and leg. Brook tucks it through backward square leg for one.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, SIX! PUNISHED! Flatter and quicker on the leg pole. Brook gets inside the line and helps it over the long leg boundary for a clever six.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Tad short, turning into the middle. Curran knocks it down to long-on for one.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Tossed up on off. Brook pushes it down to long off for one.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Flatter and quicker on the middle and leg. Curran pulls it toward deep backward square leg for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Tossed up on the middle. Curran turns it to short mid-wicket.

Nathan Smith to Sam Curran, Back of a length on middle. Curran pulls it to deep mid wicket for a single.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Length ball, around off. Brook pulls it off the inner half through square leg for one.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Back of a length on off. Brook tucks it in the gap through mid-wicket for a brace.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, FOUR! BANG! Short of a length, angled into the middle. Brook gets on top of the bounce and pulls it nonchalantly to deep backward square leg, beats the man in the deep, and rockets away to the ropes.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Good length delivery on off. Brook dabs it toward the gully fielder.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Back of a length, around off. Brook mistimes the pull through wide of mid on and takes two.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Looped up on the leg. Curran nudges it toward backward square leg. At the end of 20 overs, England are in trouble at 84/5.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Floated full, at the stumps, driven back to Santner.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Tossed up on a length, on off. Brook prods to defend, gets it off the inner half toward square leg and they take one.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Floated up outside off. Brook prods forward and defends to backward point.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Good length on middle. Curran knocks it past a diving Bracewell to long on for one.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Full drifting into leg. Brook drives to long on for one.

Sam Curran is the new batter for England. Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, OUT! LBW! Nathan Smith gets the big wicket of Jos Buttler! Bowls it short of a good length, angled into the middle stump line. Buttler looks to work it across the line, but misses and gets pinned in front. A huge appeal from the bowler and up goes the finger. Buttler takes the review. The ball tracking gives Two Reds with the impact in line, and it is clipping the top of the middle stump. The umpire's call will be supported, so Buttler has to go. England have lost half of their side.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, On a length, around off. Dabbed past the man at gully toward deep third for a single.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, Banged short, on the middle. Buttler gets inside the line and controls the pull shot to fine leg for one.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Short and outside the off stump. A casual pull shot off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single. Not exactly off the middle of the bat as Brook fails to get on top of the bounce. More of the top edge, but the ball didn't shoot up into the afternoon sky.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, On a length and around off. Buttler shuffles across and flicks this to deep square leg for one.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Back of a length, angled into middle. Brook charges down to hack it across the line, ends up skewing off the inside edge toward backward square leg for one.

Blair Tickner to Jos Buttler, On a hard length, on off. Buttler pushes this into the off-side.

Blair Tickner to Jos Buttler, SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! Good length delivery, angled in on off. Buttler picks it early and dispatches it over the deep mid-wicket fence for an 82m hit.

Blair Tickner to Jos Buttler, Short of a good length, moves late and beats the poking outside edge of Buttler.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, On a length, angled into the middle and leg. Brook advances and works it off the inner half toward deep backward square leg for one.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Pace off, fuller than a good length, around off. Brook shimmies down the pitch and smashes it toward the deep cover region for a thumping boundary.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Fuller than a length, around off. Driven to the man at mid off.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, On a hard length, around off. Buttler knocks it toward mid-off.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, On a length, around off. Brook runs it down to deep third for one.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, Back of a length on the hip. Buttler shuffles and tucks this to fine leg for one.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, Fuller than a length, at the stumps. Buttler works it uppishly and lands just short of the man at square leg.

Nathan Smith to Jos Buttler, Back of a length on the hip. Buttler tucks it to the man at square leg.

Jos Buttler comes in at number 6.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Nathan Smith strikes! Short of a length delivery, pushed across the batter. Jacob Bethell looks to take on the pull, does not connect well, and miscues it toward the deep backward square leg region. Zakary Foulkes settles under it and takes a safe catch. England are four down now.

DRINKS BREAK! New Zealand have made a strong start, claiming the wickets of England’s top three batters. Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, and Zakary Foulkes have each taken one, and they’ll be eager to maintain the pressure. England, meanwhile, will rely on Brook and Bethell to build a solid partnership and steer the innings back on track.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Goes full, on off. Brook leans forward and drives it to mid off.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Short of a good length, just outside off. Brook knocks it off the inner half toward mid on.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Keeps it on a length, around off. Brook dabs it toward backward point.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Good length delivery on off. Brook blocks on the front foot.

Blair Tickner to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length, around off. Bethell takes it on and crunches the pull to the deep square region. Will Young moves in off the rope but just can't quite get to it. They take one.

Blair Tickner to Jacob Bethell, Short of a good length, around off. Bethell shimmies down and mistimes the hack to the left of the bowler.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Fuller than a length, on off. Harry Brook blocks it solidly on the front foot.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Back of a length delivery, nips away a touch, around off. Brook has a poke at it and gets beaten.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, Good length on leg. Bethell works it to deep square leg for one.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Back of a length outside off. Brook cuts down to the man at deep third for one.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, FOUR! STUNNING! Pitched up outside off. Brook leans forward and drives elegantly along the ground through extra cover for four runs.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, On a hard length, around off. Bethell steers it down to deep third for one.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Good length delivery on the middle. Brook flicks it toward wide mid on.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Mitchell Santner nearly takes a stunner! Fuller than a length, on off. Brook charges down and looks to loft it over mid-off. Santner times his jump perfectly, gets a hand, but fails to hang onto a tough chance.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, BEATEN! Short of a good length, nips back in sharply, goes over the top of the stumps, and beats Brook on the inside edge.

Blair Tickner to Harry Brook, Good length delivery, attacking the stumps. Brook defends towards mid on.

Blair Tickner to Jacob Bethell, Good length on off. Bethell punches it to mid off and sprints through for a well-judged single on Santner's arm.

Blair Tickner to Jacob Bethell, Fuller than a length and pushed across the batter. Bethell looks to drive and misses.

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, Skiddy, back of a length delivery on middle. Brook covers the line and defends it down the pitch.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, Short of a good length, outside off. Bethell cuts it to deep third for a single.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length on off. Bethell defends from the crease.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, Good length on off. Bethell dabs it to gully.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, Smith goes full, outside off. Bethell slices the drive through the gap at point for a couple.

Nathan Smith to Jacob Bethell, Nathan Smith starts with a short of a good length delivery, zips away after pitching, and goes very close to the defence of Bethell.

Harry Brook comes in at number 5. Nathan Smith gets the ball for New Zealand.

Blair Tickner to Joe Root, OUT! CAUGHT DOWN THE LEG! Blair Tickner gets the big fish! Good length delivery, sliding down the leg. Root looks to tickle it past the keeper but gets a faint edge that goes straight to Latham behind the stumps. He makes no mistake and England lose their third. Root missed a couple of balls down the leg earlier in the over, and a similar delivery led to his downfall.

Blair Tickner to Joe Root, Slower ball on a length and angling down the leg. Root looks to glance and misses.

Blair Tickner to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length, around off. Bethell steers it to deep third for a single.

Blair Tickner to Joe Root, Fuller than a good length, on middle. Root works it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a single.

Blair Tickner to Joe Root, On a length and strays down the leg. Root shuffles across for the tuck but misses.

Blair Tickner to Joe Root, Fuller than a good length, on off. Root looks to flick through the leg side, he is early into the shot, and chips it in front of mid on.

Blair Tickner comes into the attack.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Lands it on a hard length, on off. Jacob Bethell hangs back and blocks it toward the backward point fielder. Maiden from Duffy.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Short of a good length on off. Bethell stays back and stabs it toward backward point.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Fuller than a length on off. Bethell plays a push-drive toward mid-off.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Good length on middle. Bethell turns it to midwicket.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length on off. Bethell dabs it to gully.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, That's a ripper! Back of a length delivery, angled just across Bethell, and beats him on the outside edge. It shoots off after pitching, and Latham takes it well above his shoulders.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Fuller than a length, around off. Root advances and drives it to the man at the backward point. England are 49/2 after the first Powerplay.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Fuller angling into leg. Root steps across and clips it into the gap at deep backward square for a well-run two.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Fuller than a length, just outside off. Root shimmies down and bunts the drive to mid off.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Good length delivery on off. Joe Root defends on the front foot.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Back of a length, angled in on off. Root hangs back and knocks it toward the cover point fielder.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Short of a good length on off. Root defends from the crease.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length on off. Jacob Bethell is behind the line in defence.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Fuller than a length, on the middle and leg. Clipped toward wide of mid on for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, On a length, around off. Root plays it late and guides it toward the man at gully.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Back of a length delivery, angled into the middle. Root stays back and dabs it to backward point.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Back of a length delivery, shoots off after pitching, just outside off. Root has a poke at it and gets beaten.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Fuller than a length on the pad. Bethell clips it to wide mid on for a single.

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, On a hard length, nips back into the middle. Bethell stays back, gets the outside edge that rolls down to deep third for a single.

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, Pitched up on off. Bethell drives to wide mid off.

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! THRASHED! Back of a length and well outside off. Bethell slams it through the gap at backward point, and the point fielder laces into it and smashes hard to find the ropes in a flash.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Good length delivery on off. Root hits it on the up toward mid off and takes a quick single.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, FOUR! PUT AWAY! Short just outside off. Root controls his pull through backward square, and he times it well enough to beat Duffy into the boundary.

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, Fuller than a length, on the middle and leg. Jacob Bethell flicks it through the gap at mid-wicket. Young and Tickner chase after it and keep it just inside the ropes. Three taken by Bethell.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Back of a length on a tight line outside off. Root plays this one on the walk and is beaten past the inside edge as Duffy gets it to seam back late.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Good length just outside off. Bethell runs it past gully to third man for one.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length on off. Bethell dabs it towards gully.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, On a hard length, on off. Bethell defends on the front foot into covers.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, WIDE! Back of a length, angled down the leg. Bethell lets it go. Wide signaled.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Back of a length outside off. Root leans back and cuts to the deep third region for one.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Good length on a tight line outside off. Root is a touch late to jam down and is beaten past the outside edge.

Jacob Bethell comes in at number 4.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, OUT! GONE! Zakary Foulkes strikes! Good length delivery, angled into the middle. Jamie Smith looks to hack it across the line, gets a leading edge that goes high toward the backward point region. Kane Williamson settles under it, keeps his eye on the ball, and gobbles the chance. Both the openers are gone now. England are two down.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Back of a length angling into off. Root fends it through the backward square leg region for one.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Good length on a tight line outside off. Root defends towards cover.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Good length just outside off. Root defends off the back foot to cover point.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Keeps it on a length, just outside off. Root covers the line and defends under the eye.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Fuller than a length and outside off. Root drives it through the gap at extra cover and mid-off for a brace.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, On a hard length, on off. Smith defends it to the man at cover point.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Short of a good length, a hint of swing on off. Smith blocks it onto the pitch.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Back of a length delivery at the stumps. Smith defends it to mid-on.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Back of a length outside off. Root carves it past the backward point and to the right of the third man for one.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Back of a length on the middle. Root defends to short midwicket.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Good length delivery, just outside off. Root defends solidly to the backward point.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, SIX! BANG! Fuller than a length on the pads. Smith flicks it with ease over the deep square leg boundary for a first maximum of the game.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, Good length wider outside off. Smith drives crisply but straight to cover.

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, Back of a length outside off. Root knocks it out towards deep backward point for one.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, On a length, on off. Smith eases it toward wide mid-on for one.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, FOUR! CLUBBED! Back of a length, angled into off. Smith picks it early and dispatches the pull to deep mid-wicket region for a cracking boundary.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, Pitched full, swings back into the middle and leg. Smith heaves it off the inner half to the man at short mid-wicket.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, FOUR MORE! ELEGANT! Overpitched outside off. Root leans into it and drives it nicely through extra covers for a glorious boundary to end the over.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, FOUR! NICELY DONE! Fuller than a length, on the pad. Root flicks it nonchalantly through the square leg region and finds the ropes in a flash to get the first boundary of the game.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Short of a good length and nips away, around off. Root shoulders arms to this one.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Fuller than a length on the middle and leg. Root clips it toward deep backward square leg and gets off the mark with a couple.

Jacob Duffy to Joe Root, Hard length delivery on off. Joe Root gets behind the line and defends.

Joe Root walks in at number 3.

Jacob Duffy to Ben Duckett, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jacob Duffy draws first blood! Good length delivery, moves across the batter, just outside off. Ben Duckett looks to defend from the crease but gets a faint edge that is taken by Tom Latham behind the stumps. Another failure for Duckett and England are rocked early.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, Back of a length delivery, angling down the leg. Jamie Smith looks to pull but misses.

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, Fuller than a good length, around off. Jamie Smith strokes it gently through covers for a couple.

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, Good length delivery, angled into the middle. Ben Duckett makes room and dabs it toward the deep third for a single to get off the mark.

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, Leading edge but safe! On a hard length, on the leg pole. Duckett looks to tuck it through the leg side, gets a leading edge that falls safe in the short mid on region.

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, Short of a good length again, around off. Ben Duckett dabs it toward backward point.

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, Short of a good length, angles in, and zips away around off to go past the poking outside edge of Duckett.

Zakary Foulkes will share the attack.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Fuller than a length again, around off. Jamie Smith drives it gently toward mid-off. Maiden to start for Duffy.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Fuller than a good length, around off. Jamie Smith knocks it back to Duffy.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Keeps it on a good length, on off. Jamie Smith presses forward and blocks it down the pitch.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Lands it on a length, at the stumps. Jamie Smith defends it solidly toward silly mid on.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Short of a good length, just outside off. Jamie Smith pats into the off-side.

Jacob Duffy to Jamie Smith, Duffy starts with a good length delivery on off. Jamie Smith gets behind the line and defends from the crease.

Everything is set for the play to begin. After a brief 10-minute delay caused by the earlier rain, the players and umpires are ready for action. Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith will open the innings for England, while Jacob Duffy takes the new ball for New Zealand. Let’s get underway!

Pitch Report - Neil Wagner is at the pitchside. He says there’s a healthy covering of grass on the surface, though it remains firm underneath. After two days under covers, the pitch has taken on a brownish tinge, but some moisture is likely to linger beneath, offering assistance to the seam bowlers.

Adil Rashid is up for a chat. He says that they just want to go out there and be positive and hopes for a good game today. Adds that they will assess the conditions and it will seam around in the first 15 overs. Shares that it's very important to pick wickets in that middle phase, which they failed in the previous game. Mentions that Harry Brook is a top-class batter. Adds that he can change the game from ball one, is a 360-type player, an X Factor in the team. Closes by sharing that as a captain, he has the passion and ambition to take the team to the top level.

Harry Brook, the England skipper, says that they would’ve had a bowl first, too. Adds that they need to try and get as many runs as possible. Shares that they had a disappointing result in the opening game, and they need to control the controllables. Closes by saying that Jofra Archer comes back for Luke Wood. Shares that he has high pace, extreme skills, and is good to have back.

Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand skipper, wins the toss and opts to bowl. He says that it looks like a good wicket and with the rain around, he expects it to do a bit with the ball. Adds that there was some help with the ball in the last game, and he hopes the same today.  Shares that it is usually a pretty good cricket wicket in Hamilton, and a chance to wrap the series is always exciting. Mentions that they need to adapt quickly against the strong English side. Signs off by saying that Blair Tickner comes in for Matt Henry.

England (Playing XI) - Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook(C), Jos Buttler(WK), Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer (in for Luke Wood).

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(C), Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes, Blair Tickner (in for Matt Henry), Jacob Duffy.

TOSS - New Zealand have won the toss and opted to BOWL.

UPDATE - 12.47 GMT - Great news, folks! The rain has cleared, the covers are coming off, and we’re not far from the toss.

UPDATE - 12.34 GMT - Moments before the scheduled toss, rain interrupted proceedings. Ground staff rushed in to cover the pitch, and players left the field after their warm-up routines. As a result, the toss has been delayed.

In a major setback for New Zealand, frontline pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of today’s second ODI due to a calf strain. Henry was unable to take part in training on the eve of the match, and medical assessments later confirmed the injury. The team’s medical staff will continue to monitor his progress to determine his availability for the third and final game of the series on November 1.

So, can England stage a comeback, or will New Zealand maintain their winning momentum? The toss and team news are coming up shortly. Stay tuned!

New Zealand, meanwhile, were clinical with the ball. Zakary Foulkes was outstanding with figures of 4 wickets, supported well by Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, who shared five wickets between them, while Mitchell Santner picked up one. The chase wasn’t straightforward as the hosts stumbled to 66/4 before a crucial 92-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell steadied the innings. Bracewell made a composed 51, while Mitchell’s unbeaten 78 guided the Kiwis home alongside Santner, securing a four-wicket win. New Zealand will be eager to replicate that all-round performance and clinch the series here in Hamilton. 

In the first ODI, England’s batting faltered as they were bowled out for just 223 inside 36 overs. The top and middle order collapsed to 56/6 before Harry Brook produced a sensational counterattack, smashing 135 off 101 balls. Jamie Overton’s 46 offered brief support, but the rest of the lineup failed to reach double figures. Despite a modest total, England’s bowlers fought back admirably, taking six New Zealand wickets to create pressure. Brydon Carse stood out with three wickets, while Luke Wood and Adil Rashid chipped in with one each. England will now look to put that performance behind them and start afresh in their quest to level the series.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the second ODI in the three-match series between New Zealand and England, from Seddon Park in Hamilton. After falling short in the opening game, England will be desperate to bounce back, while New Zealand have their sights set on sealing the series with a decisive 2–0 lead. 

…MATCHDAY…

After the Bay Oval opener, the 3-match ODI series now makes a scenic inland journey, swapping the coastal salt-sprayed air of Mount Maunganui for something a bit more raw and grounded. Hamilton doesn't mess around. It punches above its weight. This is the gateway to Hobbiton, that famous Lord of the Rings movie set about 45 minutes out, and the trippy Waitomo Glowworm Caves that'll mess with your head in the best way. The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest, cuts right through the city like a vein, shaping everything from the landscape to the local attitude. Want to get to Seddon Park? You're rolling down Victoria Street, Hamilton's proper main strip, where the bars, eateries, and old heritage spots tell you everything about this place. It's where the city actually lives and breathes, the kind of street that gets you hyped before you even catch sight of the ground tucked away near the heart of town. New Zealand claimed the series opener to seize a 1-0 advantage, crushing England's resistance in the process. The second ODI now stands as a survival mission for the Poms. Skipper Harry Brook put on a masterclass with a brilliant 135, but the rest of the batting order disintegrated like cards scattered by a gust of wind. Brook single-handedly dragged up 60 percent of the total, while everyone else in the top seven failed to even hit double digits. The scorecard read like a telephone directory, exposing just how one-man the show really was through a brittle batting lineup. Joe Root and Jos Buttler, the talismanic maestros, need to fortify the top and middle order, while the likes of Jacob Bethell need to step up, improve their credentials, and justify the trust placed in them. Jamie Overton just needs to keep doing what he does best with those handy lower-order cameos, while also being economical with the ball. On the bowling front, England probably feel they gave it a proper go while defending a below-par total. The pitch had plenty in it for the new-ball bowlers, with the strong westerly blowing across, and they capitalized early, reducing New Zealand to a nervy 66/4, with Brydon Carse tearing apart the top order, but it just proved inadequate at the end of the day. The Blackcaps welcomed back Kane Williamson, but he couldn't deliver the goods, and neither could the rest of the Kiwi top order. Without the middle order bailing them out, New Zealand's batting situation would've looked just as dire as England's. Daryl Mitchell has quietly become their rescue act in this format. He's been relentless, racking up six scores of 40-plus and four fifties in his last nine ODIs. With an average north of 40 this year in ODIs, Mitchell's turned into the man they lean on when things get sketchy, and he delivers. The lower-order partnership of Michael Bracewell and skipper Santner isn't just dependable with the ball, but they're genuine contributors with the bat too, giving New Zealand serious depth down the order. Their pace trio of Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Zakary Foulkes delivered exactly what was expected, clinical and effective. Matt Henry, who just happens to be New Zealand's best active operator with the ball at Hamilton, will once again lead the charge on a Seddon Park surface that's built for pace bowlers to thrive. The numbers from 2025 tell a different story, though. Both ODIs at Hamilton this year have averaged over 270 in the first innings, showing there's serious runs on offer for batters willing to stick around. It's not all about the new ball. Then comes England's Hamilton hoodoo. Three ODIs at this ground against the Kiwis, three losses. And they batted first in all three. That's a pattern screaming to be broken. With an aim to level it up and avoid a series defeat, England will definitely come hard this time, while New Zealand will look to wrap things up early and put the series to bed. A cracker of a game at Seddon Park is surely guaranteed.