Mount Maunganui, 26 October 2025:
New Zealand defeated England by four wickets in the first one-day international on Saturday, overcoming a sensational century from Harry Brook that briefly revived the visitors after a dramatic top-order collapse.
England, sent in to bat, crumbled to 5-3 within two overs and 33-5 by the ninth as New Zealand’s seamers exploited helpful conditions. Brook, captaining the side, launched a fierce counterattack, smashing 135 off 101 balls with 11 sixes — seven of them during a last-wicket stand of 57 with Luke Wood — to lift England to 223 all out in 35.2 overs. Only George Overton (46) offered meaningful support, while Josh Foulkes led the hosts’ attack with 4-41.
Despite England’s modest total, Brydon Carse’s new-ball burst of 3-45 had New Zealand wobbling at 66-4. But two costly drops — Michael Bracewell on 2 and Daryl Mitchell on 33 — proved decisive. Bracewell steadied the innings with 51, while Mitchell anchored the chase with an unbeaten 78 from 91 balls, guiding New Zealand to 224-6 in 36.4 overs and a 1-0 series lead.
England will look to bounce back when the three-match series continues in Hamilton on Wednesday.
