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New Zealand defeated England by five wickets in the second ODI in Hamilton on Wednesday, with Jofra Archer’s return unable to spark the visitors’ aggressive style of cricket.

This victory allowed New Zealand to secure the three-match series with one game remaining, following their four-wicket win in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.

How New Zealand Beat England?

England’s batsmen oscillated between caution and recklessness after New Zealand won the toss, resulting in the team being bowled out for 175 in just 36 overs.

England’s aggressive batting approach often led to unnecessary dismissals, with no partnership lasting more than six overs or exceeding 38 runs.

New Zealand’s bowling was consistent but not unplayable. Blair Tickner took 4-34 in his comeback to the Black Caps after over two years.

Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, and Brydon Carse were dismissed unnecessarily, with Bethell particularly showing poor judgment by picking out the deep-square fielder with the first ball after drinks.

Harry Brook, who scored a brilliant 135 in the first match, slashed a cut to point off Mitchell Santner, which was caught by a diving Will Young.

England were 143-7 midway through their innings and struggled to reach a decent total without Brook at the crease.

Jamie Overton top-scored for England with 42 from 28 balls, followed by Brook’s run-a-ball 34.

Despite the loss, England took solace in Archer’s return ahead of next month’s Ashes series, as he posed a threat to New Zealand as soon as he started bowling.

Archer dismissed Young with the fourth ball of the innings and troubled both Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra with deliveries that seamed past the edges of their bats.

While England attempted to hit their way out of trouble, New Zealand showed resilience and patience during tough periods.

Williamson and Ravindra shared a 42-run partnership before Williamson was chopped off his stumps for 21.

Daryl Mitchell arrived and formed a 63-run partnership with Ravindra until he was caught by Archer at backward square for 54.

Archer offered England a glimmer of hope with the dismissal of Michael Bracewell, finishing with match figures of 3-23 from 10 overs, including four maidens.

Mitchell, continuing from his commanding 78 not out in the first match, guided New Zealand to victory with an unbeaten 56.
New Zealand were also concerned about the fitness of star seamer Matt Henry, who suffered a calf strain before the match.