1st ODI: Mitchell, Bracewell power NZ with half-centuries
What's the story
New Zealand defeated England by four wickets in the first match of their three-game ODI series at Bay Oval on Sunday. Half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell were instrumental in the victory. The match was a closely contested affair, with New Zealand chasing down a target of 224 runs set by England. Here we look at Mitchell and Bracewell's stellar knocks in the game.
Chase details
Mitchell, Bracewell rescue NZ after early strikes
In response to England's total, New Zealand faced early setbacks and lost four wickets with just 66 runs on the board, including that of former captain Kane Williamson. However, Mitchell's unbeaten 78 and Bracewell's valuable contribution of 51 guided the team toward victory. They added 92 runs for the fifth wicket before Bracewell departed. The chase was completed in 36.4 overs, sealing a hard-fought four-wicket win for the Black Caps.
Stats
Third 50-plus score for Mitchell vs England
Mitchell's 78* off 91 balls was laced with seven fours and two sixes. This knock takes him to a tally of 2,119 runs from 53 ODIs. He averages a stunning 50.45 in the format, having smashed six centuries and 10 fifties. He has now raced to 274 runs against England at 91.33. This includes two fifties and a ton across six innings.
Bracewell
Bracewell gets past 800 ODI runs
Bracewell made a run-a-ball 51 with the help of six fours. The left-handed batter now has 808 runs from 35 ODIs at an average of 38.47. His career tally has two tons besides three fifties. Bracewell has a remarkable strik rate of 114.28 in the format. The spinner also has 36 wickets with the ball. Meanwhile, this was his maiden ODI outing versus England.
Match details
Brook's ton powers England to decent total
Meanwhile, England's innings was largely dominated by Harry Brook, who scored a brilliant 135 runs. His effort helped the team post a modest total of 224 runs. However, New Zealand's pace attack wreaked havoc early on, reducing England to 56-6 in the first 12 overs. Zak Foulkes (4/41) and Matt Henry (2/53) led the charge for New Zealand with their impressive bowling spells.