Brook’s blistering 135 in vain as New Zealand seal four-wicket win in series opener

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.