Delhi: In the second T20 match played in Christchurch, England defeated New Zealand by 65 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Spinner Adil Rashid bowled brilliantly and took four wickets and played an important role in the team’s victory. Earlier, the first match of the series was canceled due to rain. Now the third T20 match will be played on October 23, after which a three-match ODI series will be played between the two teams.

Phil Salt and Harry Brook’s explosive innings

After losing the toss, England batted first and scored a huge score of 236 runs at the loss of 4 wickets in 20 overs. The start of the team was not special and after 68 runs, Jos Buttler (4) and Jacob Bethel (24) returned to the pavilion. After this, captain Harry Brook and Phil Salt put the team in a strong position by making a partnership of 129 runs for the third wicket.

Harry Brook scored 78 runs in 35 balls with the help of 5 sixes and 6 fours, while Phil Salt played a brilliant inning of 85 runs in 56 balls, which included 1 six and 11 fours. For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson took two wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Jacob Batchelor got one wicket each.

New Zealand’s innings shattered

Chasing the huge target of 237 runs, the New Zealand team was reduced to 171 runs in 18 overs. The Kiwi team had lost two wickets till the score of 18. After this, Tim Seifert (39) and Mark Chapman (28) added 69 runs for the third wicket, but as soon as Chapman was out, the team’s rhythm deteriorated.

Captain Mitchell Santner played a brilliant inning of 36 runs in 15 balls, but could not lead the team to victory. England’s bowlers performed brilliantly. Adil Rashid took 4 wickets for 32 runs in 4 overs, while Luke Wood, Braydon Carse and Liam Dawson took two wickets each.