New Zealand
New Zealand won the second T20I by 21 runs (Credits: Twitter)

New Zealand, on Sunday, came up with a fine all round show to beat England by 21 runs in the second T20I and level the five-match series. New Zealand, who had lost the series-opener by 21 runs, posted 176 for 8 after being asked to bat first. In reply, England were all out for 155 with one ball remaining.

Colin Munro and Martin Guptill gave the hosts a fast start but their partnership could not last long. Munro departed in only the third over after adding 23 runs in just 15 balls with his fellow opener. Guptill and Tim Seifert steadied the ship and ensured the hosts do not lose any more wicket in the first six overs.

But they could not build on the promising stand as Seifert was sent back by debutant Saqib Mahmood in the seventh over. Seifert scored 16 and added 34 runs with Guptill. Colin de Grandhomme then provided the innings with some impetus by blasting 28 from just 12 before he and Guptill departed in quick succession to leave New Zealand reeling at 96 for 4.

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Daryl Mitchell failed to get going before Ross Taylor and Jimmy Neesham joined hands. The two took the score past the 150-run mark before Taylor departed after scoring 28 from 24. But Neesham stayed till the last and blasted 42 from 22 balls to help New Zealand put up a good total.

The score turned out to be more than enough in the end as New Zealand comfortably defended it. Skipper Tim Southee gave his side a solid start with the ball by dismissing Jonny Bairstow on the very first ball of the innings. In the very next over, Lockie Ferguson accounted for James Vince to leave England reeling at 3 for 2.

England captain Eoin Morgan tried to release the pressure of his side by launching a counter-attack but he too did not last long. The left-handed batsman hit three fours and three sixes during his 17-ball 32 runs knock. England kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were six down even before they could touch the 100-run mark. At one stage, 150 was looking like a distant dream but England managed to score 155 thanks to the 36-run knock from Chris Jordan.

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Scorecard:

New Zealand’s innings:

New Zealand
New Zealand’s batting innings (Credits: CricketAddictor)
England
England’s bowling innings (Credits: CricketAddictor)

England’s innings:

England
England’s batting innings (Credits: CricketAddictor)

 

England
New Zealand’s bowling innings (Credits: CricketAddictor)