New Zealand clinched a memorable 2-0 ODI sequence victory over England at Hamilton, because of a exceptional comeback efficiency from Blair Tickner. Returning to worldwide cricket after an extended break, Tickner delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 4/34 to assist bowl out England for simply 175.
His efficiency not solely earned him the Participant of the Match award but additionally recorded New Zealand’s first bilateral ODI sequence win over England since 2013. Tickner, who hadn’t featured in an ODI since 2023, was drafted into the squad on the final minute. In his post-match interview, he admitted he didn’t even anticipate to play, having simply returned from an extended winter in England.
“It felt actually good. I did not anticipate it. I believed I used to be simply going to come back and run some tips. It was clearly a fantastic efficiency from the fellows, so it was superior to be there. Final night time I used to be having a barbeque at Josh Clarkson’s home and I noticed a message. So yeah, I wasn’t actually considering I used to be going to play. So I used to be simply right here for a bit of little bit of a working tips vacation. But it surely was an superior play. Taking early wickets is the best way it goes. So the boys upfront did properly and it was a superb bowling efficiency all spherical from everybody. I had a little bit of an extended winter in England. So I had a few months off. However I am simply having fun with my cricket actually. See the place it goes. No stress actually for me. I am simply going to get again to the home grind, so I am alright. It is fairly particular having them (household) right here at the moment. Shout out for them for driving up for me. You by no means know when your final recreation is, so, it is fairly particular,” he stated.
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand took full benefit of a pitch with seam motion. England’s batting woes continued as Tickner ripped via their lineup, dismissing Joe Root, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, and Adil Rashid. Nathan Smith (2/27) and Mitchell Santner (1/48) supplied assist as England have been bundled out in simply 36 overs.
Regardless of Jofra Archer’s 3/23 in his return to ODI cricket, England’s whole of 175 by no means seemed sufficient. In reply, New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Rachin Ravindra’s 54 and Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 56. Skipper Santner’s quickfire 34 off 17 balls sealed the deal, guiding the hosts house with 101 balls to spare. This defeat extends England’s post-World Cup struggles, with solely eight wins in 25 ODIs since 2023 and 6 sequence losses throughout that interval.
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