New Zealand sealed a commanding series win over England with another comprehensive performance, cruising to a five-wicket victory in the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The hosts now lead the three-match series 2-0 with one game still to play, reaffirming their dominance across formats.
England once again faltered with the bat, folding for just 175, as Blair Tickner returned to international cricket in style, claiming a career-best 4 for 34. In response, New Zealand chased down the target with 101 balls to spare, powered by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 56 and Rachin Ravindra’s fluent 54. Captain Mitchell Santner finished things off in style with a quickfire 34 not out off only 17 balls.
The tone was set early by Tickner, who marked an emotional comeback after a two-year absence from the national side. Having rejoined the squad as injury cover for Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry, the 32-year-old fast bowler produced a spell of precision and aggression that dismantled England’s middle order. His return carried special significance — his wife Sarah has been battling leukaemia, now thankfully in remission. With every wicket, Tickner’s emotion and joy were visible as New Zealand’s players rallied behind him.
For England, it was another day to forget. Their batting order collapsed yet again, marking the tenth time in their last sixteen ODIs that they’ve been bowled out while setting a target. Coming off a poor 223 in the first ODI, this display was even worse.
Jamie Overton offered the only resistance, smashing 42 off 28 balls with typical aggression, while Harry Brook followed up his heroics from the series opener with a modest 34 before falling to Mitchell Santner’s sharp fielding setup. Apart from those two, no English batter reached 30.
The innings got off to a rocky start after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl first following a short rain delay. Jacob Duffy drew first blood by dismissing Ben Duckett for 1, and soon after, Blair Tickner trapped Joe Root with a delivery that grazed the inside edge and was smartly taken by Tom Latham behind the stumps.
From there, England’s innings unraveled. Jacob Bethell threw his wicket away immediately after drinks, hooking Nathan Smith straight to deep square leg, while Jos Buttler’s stay was cut short by Smith’s sharp in-swinger that trapped him LBW.
Brook briefly counterattacked, launching a four and a six off Santner and surviving an early dropped catch by the same bowler. But just when he appeared settled, he fell to another smart field change by Santner — Kane Williamson completing an athletic catch at backward point.
England’s struggles against spin continued as Sam Curran was undone by Michael Bracewell’s turning delivery that clipped off-stump. Overton then attempted a late revival, striking Tickner for a clean six over long-on, but the bowler had the last laugh — Overton miscued one straight to Santner at mid-off. Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid soon followed as England were bundled out inside 36 overs, leaving New Zealand with a modest chase.
The visitors’ only solace came from Jofra Archer, who made an impressive return to international cricket. Playing his first ODI against New Zealand since the 2019 World Cup final, Archer bowled with pace and precision, finishing with figures of 3 for 23, including four maidens. He struck in his very first over, trapping Will Young plumb in front with a 90mph thunderbolt.
His disciplined opening spell restricted New Zealand to 32-1 in the powerplay, and he returned later to remove Rachin Ravindra for 54 and Michael Bracewell for a duck. Yet, the lack of scoreboard pressure and the composure of New Zealand’s middle order ensured there would be no collapse.
Ravindra continued his dream run with another assured half-century — his tenth in ODIs — showcasing his ability to build an innings calmly before accelerating. His 33-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell steadied the chase, and Mitchell once again anchored the innings perfectly.
Mitchell, who had scored an unbeaten 78 in the first ODI, followed it up with another classy 56 not out. His knock featured clever rotations of strike, well-judged boundaries, and an air of calm that England sorely lacked.
Captain Mitchell Santner joined him late in the innings and provided the fireworks. He blasted two huge sixes off Adil Rashid and took apart Jamie Overton’s pace with ease, ending on 34* from just 17 balls. Their unbeaten 59-run stand sealed the win in dominant fashion, with more than 16 overs remaining.
England’s bowling had brief moments of fight — Overton bowled with energy, taking out Williamson with an inside edge onto the stumps — but it was never going to be enough with so few runs on the board.
The defeat added to England’s growing concerns ahead of their upcoming Test series in Perth, with their top-order woes becoming a recurring theme. Their batting collapses in back-to-back matches have highlighted technical and mental vulnerabilities against disciplined attacks.
For New Zealand, though, it was another complete team performance — ruthless with the ball, composed with the bat, and inspired in the field. Santner’s leadership, Mitchell’s consistency, and Tickner’s emotional return made the victory even more special.
As the teams head to Wellington for the third and final ODI, New Zealand will aim for a clean sweep, while England will be desperate to salvage pride and rediscover some form.
