ENG vs NZ, 2nd ODI Highlights: Liam Livingstone’s unbeaten 95 powered England to a 79-run win over New Zealand in the second ODI in Southampton on Sunday. England, who begin the defence of their World Cup title against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on October 5, collapsed to 8-3 in a match reduced by rain to 34 overs per side. They were still struggling at 55-5 in the 13th over when Livingstone came into bat. But he took England to 226-7 and New Zealand were then dismissed for 147 as the hosts levelled the four-match series at 1-1. (Scorecard)
Right then, it was England’s day as they were reduced to 55/4 in the first innings but managed to score 227 in 34 overs, thanks to Liam Livingstone’s impressive 95, his highest score in an ODI. The bowlers complemented this performance by taking all of New Zealand’s wickets in under 30 overs, providing a significant morale boost with the ODI World Cup on the horizon. It’s also a valuable lesson for New Zealand, as they will surely take away several insights from this match. We’ll see you in the next game being played on the 13th of September, Wednesday starting at 5.00 pm IST (11.30 am GMT), but as you know you can join us early for all the build-up to the game. Until then, goodbye and cheers!
Liam Livingstone is THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH says that it was not a rescue mission as they pride themselves on their depth in batting. Adds that he got used to the conditions and credits Moeen and Curran for their knocks as well. Tells that it has been a frustrating couple months for him as it is a hard role when you have to smack from one ball and it was good to have some time in the middle. Mentions that he hasn’t been in good form recently but this knock gives him confidence and says his hard has finally paid off.
Jos Buttler, the victorious skipper of England at the post-match presentation, says that he is delighted with the win and how they recovered from a difficult position. Adds that it was a really good partnership in the middle and wants them to go hard on the bowlers. Tells that everyone is clear with their roles and the vibe in the dressing room is very positive. Says Liam and Curran have every right to want to bat higher up the order. Ends by saying it was a great start with the ball and they carried it throughout the innings.
Tom Latham, the captain of New Zealand says at the post-match presentation that they let England build key partnerships even after taking four quick wickets. Praises Liam for his knock. Credits his fast bowlers who were fantastic with the new ball especially Boult on his return. Tells that they are focusing on the job in hand and not too far away. Says that they were within the reach of the required rate and if they had wickets in hand, things could have been different.
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TIME FOR PRESENTATIONS…
New Zealand got off to a difficult start, losing a wicket in the very first over. Subsequently, Devon Conway and Will Young initiated a partnership, but both were eventually dismissed by the English players. Daryl Mitchell emerged as the sole New Zealand batter to make a significant impact, contributing 57 runs from 52 balls. Unfortunately, the remaining New Zealand batters were dismissed cheaply by the English bowlers.
On that note, England secured a resounding victory, leveling the series at 1-1. What an exciting game of cricket unfolded! England managed to dismiss New Zealand for a mere 147 runs in just 26.5 overs, securing a commanding 79-run win over the visitors. The English bowlers were in top form right from the beginning of the innings. David Willey set the tone by taking a wicket in the very first over and went on to claim 3 wickets in the match. Reece Topley, coming from an injury, partnering with him with the new ball, also bowled superbly to capture 3 wickets, while Moeen Ali chipped in with 2 crucial wickets in the middle. England’s remarkable comeback from being 45/5 in the first innings to secure a victory truly reflects their champion pedigree.