HAMILTON: Blair Tickner’s star performance helped New Zealand clinch victory against England by five wickets in the second ODI on Wednesday.
With the convincing win, New Zealand also bagged the three-match series with a game to spare after their four-wicket win in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
New Zealand won the toss, with the visitors were all out for 175 after just 36 overs.
The England batters’ aggression led to needless dismissals against the run of play, with no partnership lasting longer than six overs or more than 38 runs.
But it was Blair Tickner, who enjoyed his return to international cricket with 4 for 34. His career-best figures in the ODIs come after a two-year absence from the side.
He was included in the team after Matt Henry’s left calf strain. The star bowler had initially been drafted into the squad to replace Kyle Jamieson.
It is important to mention here that Tickner’s wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with leukaemia. Though still undergoing chemotherapy, she is now in remission.
England were 143-7 midway through the innings but couldn’t accelerate to a decent total without Brook at the crease.
Jamie Overton was the pick of England’s batters with 42 from just 28 balls, followed by Brook’s run-a-ball 34.
England took hope from Archer’s return ahead of next month’s Ashes series, and he worried New Zealand as soon as he took the ball.
Jofra Archer, on his first appearance of the winter, and playing against New Zealand in an ODI for the first time since 2019’s World Cup final, was the only star from the England side.
He took 3 for 23 from his ten overs. Four of those were maidens, including a wicket maiden in the first over of the chase. Bowling at around 90mph throughout, he threatened both edges of the bat and looked in great form.
