From iconic centuries to incredible catches, England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matches have long been riveting spectacles. Collaborations and fierce rivalry continue to define this match-up with every passing encounter.
Harry Brook’s breathtaking century helped the visitors make ground, but Chris Woakes struck quickly upon his return to form to decimate their top order and take control of proceedings for England. Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson then grabbed crucial wickets that kept England under control.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard.
| # | Format | Venue & Date | Toss Winner | England Score (Overs) | NZ Score (Overs) | Result & Margin | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Test (3rd Test, 2024 series) | Hamilton, New Zealand – 14–17 Dec 2024 | New Zealand | 143 & 234 (47.2) | 347 & 453 | New Zealand won by 423 runs | Mitchell Santner (7 wkts) |
| 2 | Test (2nd Test) | Wellington – 6–8 Dec 2024 | England | 280 & 427/6 decl | 125 & 259 | England won by 323 runs | Harry Brook (123 & 55) |
| 3 | Test (1st Test) | Christchurch (Hagley Oval) – 28 Nov–1 Dec 2024 | New Zealand | 499 & 104/2 | 348 & 254 | England won by 8 wickets | Brydon Carse (10 wickets) |
| 4 | ODI (ICC World Cup) | Ahmedabad – 5 Oct 2023 | New Zealand | 282/9 (50) | 283/1 (36.2) | New Zealand won by 9 wickets (82 balls to spare) | Rachin Ravindra (123*) |
| 5 | T20I (4th T20I, 2023 series) | Nottingham – 5 Sep 2023 | England | 175/8 (20) | 179/4 (17.2) | New Zealand won by 6 wickets (16 balls remaining) | Mitchell Santner (3/30) |
Scorecard
This match was an intensely one-sided contest, in stark contrast to New Zealand’s classic one-run victory the last time these two sides met here. England were led by Harry Brook’s scintillating century on Day 1, before Gus Atkinson unleashed an all-out attack with three wickets on Day Two – before New Zealand attempted an exciting comeback on Day Four but ultimately fell short and England achieved their first away series win since 2008 and their first in New Zealand since then.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham believes they created opportunities, but were unable to capitalize on them. He suggests focusing on building significant partnerships. In particular, Tom says he has enjoyed playing alongside Tim Southee and wishes him all of the best with any future endeavours he pursues.
Ben Stokes of England stands by his decision to bat first and believes the Black Caps did well to fight back on day 4. He said it was an incredible contest between two great teams and each gave amazing performances; although, he admitted being disappointed with how they lost and says they have plenty to work on in order to improve.
Shoaib Bashir sends Shoaib O’Rourke down to William O’Rourke full outside off and he drives strongly through cover point for three runs. New Zealand are still looking lost at 86-5 in their second innings; needing another 137 runs to avoid follow-on.
Joe Root continued his impressive run with another magnificent century – his 36th in Test cricket overall and first at Eden Park. Reaching 100 with an iconic reverse-scoop off pace bowler Will O’Rourke, Joe earned himself a break at half way point before continuing the battle against India.
England have taken an impressive 533 lead and appear poised to secure an emphatic win in New Zealand since 2008. Their late night declaration on 427-6 sets them on course to record their biggest margin of victory ever against Black Caps and make England unbeaten in seven Test matches since 2008.
Match Summary
The opening match of this series lived up to all expectations and boasted both teams’ esteemed reputations, as England and New Zealand delivered drama, dominance, and some surprises. England entered with their legacy at stake and an indomitable record on defense; yet left it with their heads held high after easily taking down their opponent.
England struggled to adapt on Day 1, with England’s middle order quickly succumbing to their hosts’ dominance of the opening day and falling apart in response. Jonny Bairstow failed to capitalize on an encouraging start, falling for 33 before Dawid Malan was bowled for just 14. Joe Root and Jos Buttler both struggled before they were both caught at long-off by Tim Southee – their struggles ultimately leading to Tim Southee taking both wickets off them for just 14.
Harry Brook, however, delivered an unbeaten 123 off 121 balls to put his side back in control of the match and tie with Stuart Broad for joint top scorer on tour. His display inspired comparisons with Mike Atherton, Alec Stewart and Ian Bell; it brought Brook level with them both as joint top scorers on tour.
Brydon Carse shone for England as their top bowler in his debut Test appearance, taking three wickets and claiming a hat-trick in just his first over of Test cricket for England. Carse famously bowled Daryl Mitchell at The Basin Reserve two years earlier; taking Kane Williamson off twice off faint edges that turned out to be bat grazing pad before having another go with an edge that just hit bat and bounced past leg stump. His battle against Williamson was particularly entertaining; twice off faint edges before having him on two separate occasions; once off an edge before having him but then following an innocuous bouncer that just hit bat and went past leg stump.
Jacob Bethell made an impressive debut, scoring 96 runs at No 3 while Ollie Pope displayed why his strengths lie more with counterattacking batsmanship rather than anchorman duties at No 3. England were far from at their best however in what proved an unsatisfying match performance overall.
Match Analysis
New Zealand Cricket organizes and manages the national cricket team representing New Zealand internationally in international cricket matches, and this team’s members compete in Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket games. Dubbed “the Black Caps,” their nickname was officially adopted after their sponsor Clear Communications held a competition to name the team back in January 1998.
England resumed their innings at 378-5 with a lead of 533 runs and Joe Root completed his 36th Test century by striking an elegant reverse-scoop off Will O’Rourke for a trademark reverse-scoop off Tim Southee at long off to complete it in style. England declared on 427-6 shortly afterwards.
The tourists struggled in their second innings, with openers Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell both being dismissed without scoring, as well as wicketkeeper Tom Blundell holeing out to Ben Duckett’s diving catch at slip. Brook’s brilliant innings was the highlight of an otherwise dull day; racing to his seventh century this summer and closing the gap on England captain Joe Root for first place in world rankings.
England’s bowlers kept chipping away at New Zealand, and Brydon Carse took two wickets quickly in quick succession to reduce them to 59-4 on the stroke of tea. New Zealand struggled in the rain-affected conditions, and Carse ultimately sealed their innings by leg-before-wicket dismissing Ravindra Jadeja – ending England’s innings by one wicket!
New Zealand’s victory against England in this Test series marked more than just an achievement; it made a bold statement of their intentions to their rivalry that dates back 87 years. For England, however, this win served as both an awakening call and wake-up call as they seemed unfazed by conditions or found any form with their batsmen; hopefully on Saturday against Bangladesh they can avoid repeating it and still qualify for semi-finals should a draw occur (though any further improvements would need to take place).
Final Score
The Black Caps have won their first series against England since 1999 in an emotional series full of highs and lows for both teams. New Zealand saw this victory as an affirmation of intent to compete with world cricket’s finest, while England took notice that their bowling was ineffective at penetrating the opposition’s defenses while their batting never really got going.
New Zealand achieved 259 all out, winning the Super Over with two runs to spare. Amidst high winds and threat of showers, Tom Blundell lit up an otherwise dismal day by scoring 115 not out against Shoaib Bashir despite an attempt at paddle sweep nearing its end which was brilliantly intercepted by Ben Duckett at slip. Jos Buttler and Jason Roy then ran out Martin Guptill to seal a famous series victory.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson shared how meaningful the match had been for his team afterward. “Before the match started, we discussed its meaning to us as individuals and what its impact will mean moving forward,” said Kane.
“This win marks our first test victory against England ever and we’re absolutely ecstatic with it!” “This result marks an historic breakthrough for us and we couldn’t be happier about this result!”
New Zealand are back in the semi-finals of the World Cup after an incredible start, going unbeaten through round-robin stages and finishing as top table-finisher. Unfortunately, after this amazing run they suffered three successive losses before pulling out an epic run-chase win against Pakistan on reserve day to reach semi-finals.
But in their semi-final they met India, who had already defeated South Africa and Pakistan earlier on that same day. New Zealand put on a thrilling run-chase victory to progress to the final where they will face Australia who defeated Bangladesh earlier on that same day. While New Zealand fans are overjoyed, their team knows this victory marks only the start of an even longer journey towards another World Cup title win.