Harry Brook rescues England from humiliation with unbelievable century in 1st ODI vs New Zealand

England white-ball skipper Harry Brook rescued the national team from humiliation with his batting performance during the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand. Brook smashed his career-best hundred for England in ODI format at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, October 26.

The skipper came to the crease when England had lost three wickets for five runs. Jamie Smith was dismissed on the first ball by Matt Henry, followed by Ben Duckett and Joe Root falling cheaply under bowler-friendly conditions. England lost their fourth wicket for 10 and then further collapsed to 56 for six wickets.

Harry Brook’s Stunning Century Rescues England From Humiliation

Harry Brook found support from Jamie Overton, who was the only other batter to reach double figures. Brook survived a difficult chance on 63 when Rachin Ravindra fumbled a low catch. The skipper formed crucial partnerships with the tail-enders to guide England past the 200-run mark.

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Brook punished loose deliveries and brought up his second ODI century with a flurry of boundaries, including three consecutive sixes. The right-handed batter reached the triple-digit mark off just 82 balls.

Brook finished with 135 from 101 deliveries, striking 19 fours and 11 sixes, at a strike rate of 133.66. England posted a decent total of 223, considering the disastrous start at the beginning.

Harry Brook Smashes Records With His Outstanding Knock Against New Zealand

Harry Brook crossed 1,000 runs at a strike rate of 103.86 in the ODI format. The right-handed batter achieved the feat in just 33 innings. He also recorded the second-best score by an England skipper batting as a non-opener.

Brook registered the second-highest individual score by an England batter against the BlackCaps on New Zealand soil. He came close to surpassing Jonny Bairstow’s record before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner in the 36th over.

He smashed 11 sixes, placing him fourth on England’s list of most sixes in a single ODI innings. Eoin Morgan tops the chart with 17 sixes, while Jos Buttler holds the second and third positions with 14 and 12 sixes, respectively.

Brook Registers Eighth Fifty-Plus Score and Fourth Century in 12 Innings

Harry Brook recorded his eighth fifty-plus score in 12 innings across all formats and his fourth century. The New Zealand bowlers delivered a disciplined and relentless attack.

Zak Foulkes was the standout for New Zealand, taking four wickets for 41 runs, while Jacob Duffy managed three wickets but conceded 55 runs in six overs, largely to Brook.

In reply, New Zealand stumbled early, losing four wickets for just 66 runs in 11.2 overs. Former captain Kane Williamson was dismissed for a golden duck. Brydon Carse claimed three wickets, and Luke Wood took one, putting the hosts under significant pressure.

Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli confirm 2027 World Cup participation during chat with Adam Gilchrist after Sydney ODI