England were too good for their hosts in the opening match of their five-match series cruising to a seven-wicket victory.
New Zealand lacked fluency in their innings with Martin Guptill and Colin Munro unable to launch their effort.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Second T20I | Sunday 3 November | Westpac Stadium, Wellington | 03:00
To WinNew Zealand 82/100
Tie 35/1
England 21/20
New Zealand
The Black Caps looked like a team starting their summer and struggled to get their innings going.
Crucially Munro threw his wicket away just as he was beginning to look dangerous in Christchurch if he can redeem himself in Wellington the Black Caps could be more competitive.
Skipper Tim Southee set a good example with the ball in Christchurch but Mitchell Santer took all three of the wickets the Black Caps claimed. New Zealand need to produce a more complete effort with both the bat and the ball.
The Black Caps spinners might hold the key to shackling the potent England batting lineup, with Ish Sodhi backing Santner up well.
England
In contrast to the Black Caps, England’s T20I team looked to be dialled in and ready for the intensity of international cricket.
Eoin Morgan utilized the variety of his bowling attack well in the first match frustrating their hosts.
James Vince was dominant in the chase while Jonny Bairstow also looked in good form.
England handed a debut to seamer Pat Brown who claimed the wicket of Ross Taylor as his first in T20Is at Hagley Oval. Morgan’s young bowling attack weren’t placed under significant pressure in the first match, but executed their variations well and found their lengths quickly, something that can be tricky in New Zealand.
Verdict: England
England have the momentum and will be difficult to stop.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
