Jamie Overton shines with 68 in 3rd NZ ODI: Stats
What's the story
England's top order crumbled yet again in the third and final ODI against New Zealand in Wellington. The team had lost five wickets for just 44 runs, raising doubts about whether they could even cross the 100-run mark. However, Jamie Overton came to their rescue with an impressive innings of 68 runs. This was his maiden fifty in the ODI format.
Partnership
Buttler, Curran add 53 runs for the sixth wicket
Former England captain Jos Buttler tried to hold the innings together with a fighting 38 off 56 balls. However, his efforts were cut short when Blair Tickner uprooted his off-stump. The New Zealand pacer also dismissed Sam Curran for 17 after the latter had added a much-needed 53-run partnership with Buttler. This reduced the Brits to 102/7. With the Kiwi pacers breathing fire with the ball, a total of even 150 looked highly unlikely at this stage.
Rescue mission
Overton brilliantly operated with tail-enders
Despite the top-order collapse, England managed to post a total of 222 all out in 40.2 overs. This was largely due to Overton's ODI best score of 68 off 62 balls. He was well supported by Brydon Carse, who scored a quickfire 36 off 30 balls. The duo added 58 runs with the eighth wicket before Overton further scripted crucial partnerships with tail-enders Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. The all-rounder went down as the last batter.
Stats
Maiden ODI fifty for Overton
Overton, who batted at number eight, hit 10 fours and two sixes en route to his 62-ball 68. As per ESPNcricinfo, only Sam Curran (95* vs India, 2021) and Chris Woakes (78 vs Australia, 2018) have higher scores while batting at eight or lower for England in away ODIs (home of opposition). Meanwhile, Overton's maiden ODI fifty has taken him to 238 runs from 10 games at 26.44 (SR: 104.84).
Series
156 runs in the series for Overton
Despite the regular failure of England's batting order, Overton was among the runs throughout this series. He made 46 off 54 balls in the opener when England were reeling at 56/6. In the second ODI, he came at 105/6 and finished with 42(28). His tally of 156 runs in the series is only second to that of Harry Brook (176) among England batters.