Harry Brook’s blistering 135 couldn’t rescue England as Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell’s composed half-centuries sealed a four-wicket win for New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.
England’s Ashes-bound top order suffered a nightmare start, collapsing to 33 for 5 inside nine overs after Zak Foulkes tore through the lineup with a sensational new-ball spell of 4 for 41. From the ruins, captain Harry Brook launched a one-man counterattack, smashing 135 off just 101 deliveries — an innings laced with nine fours and 11 sixes — to drag England to 223 all out in 35.2 overs.
Brook’s extraordinary knock, his fourth international century in New Zealand, accounted for over 60% of England’s total and revived memories of his Wellington masterclass in 2023. Jamie Overton’s fighting 46 provided the only real support, as the pair’s 87-run stand restored brief respectability before New Zealand’s seamers wrapped up the innings.
Chasing 224, the hosts stumbled early to 24 for 3, with Luke Wood and Brydon Carse striking in quick succession — including a golden duck for Kane Williamson on his ODI return. But Mitchell’s unbeaten 78 and Bracewell’s fluent 51 steadied the innings with a crucial 92-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding the Black Caps home with 80 balls to spare.
Despite flashes of brilliance from England’s bowlers, New Zealand’s composure under pressure proved decisive. As the Bay Oval crowd erupted, it was clear: Brook’s heroic hundred would live in memory, but victory belonged to Mitchell, Bracewell, and a Black Caps side that outplayed England in every key moment.
