NZ vs ENG: 3rd T20I – Visitors choke in final stretch as Kiwis take series lead
New Zealand took a 2-1 lead in the three-match T20I series against England at Nelson after the visitors crumbled under pressure. Chasing a score down of 181, England ended up losing the contest by 14 runs despite being in a commanding position for long durations. At one stage, the visitors were 139-2 and were on the verge of taking a series lead. But they lost 5 wickets for 10 runs in a span of 18 deliveries which completely changed the complexion of the contest.
Also read: NZ vs ENG: 2nd T20I – Santner spins a web as hosts level series
Winning the toss, Tim Southee elected to bat first and put the pressure on an inexperienced English batting lineup. The move paid dividends as Martin Guptill again got his side off to a rapid start. Despite losing opener Colin Munro and Tim Seifert for low scores, Guptill and de Grandhomme’s contribution set up the Kiwis for a big total. Guptill scored 33 off 17 while de Grandhomme was the start performer with a bludgeoning knock of 55 off 35 deliveries.
But the Curran brothers, Sam and Tom both bowled excellent spells at the death. Their performances ensured that the Kiwis could not reach a total much closer to the 200-run mark. Sam especially, managed to generate some late reverse swing, which the hosts found difficult to counter, ending their innings on 180-7. For England, Tom Curran picked up 2 wickets. Sam Curran, Matthew Parkinson, Saqib Mahmood Patrick Brown also contributed with 1 wicket each.
England crumble under pressure
Chasing the score down, England were given a brisk start by openers Dawid Malan and Tom Banton. Banton was dismissed for 18 off 10 deliveries by Tickner, but he set the platform for the chase. Malan and Vince then had a big partnership of 63, as the visitors were cruising along. Malan scored a classy 55 off 34 deliveries, while Vince missed his half-century by a single run. After Malan was dismissed, skipper Morgan along with Vince also had an important partnership of 49.
But Morgan’s dismissal led to a major collapse as the visitors completely lost the plot. Billings, Vince, Gregory and Curran would all follow suit in quick succession as the Kiwis celebrated an improbable victory. Skipper Southee and Lockie Ferguson were both exceptional in the final overs, not giving an inch away. Ferguson and Tickner picked up two wickets each, while tweakers Santner and Sodhi also had 1 scalp to their name.
The hosts will now aim to seal the series in the 4th T20I at Napier on 8th November.
Brief scores: New Zealand 180 for 7 (De Grandhomme 55) beat England 166 for 7 (Malan 55, Vince 49) by 14 runs
