NZ vs ENG, 2018: Five Talking Points – Trans-Tasman T20I, Wellington

In the fourth match of the Tri-nation Twenty20 International series against England, hosts register a 12-run victory. Interestingly, there have been several talking points to discuss.

On February 13, while riding on the all-round performances Kane Williamson-led Black Caps registered first win of the triangular T20I series.

Earlier, England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to field first at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

After batting first, hosts post 196 runs on the board in 20 overs. The fifties each from Martin Guptill and Williamson set the tune.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid conceded 36 runs in four overs to dismiss Guptill and Colin de Grandhomme.

Here’re the five talking points of the game.

Talking Points: Martin Guptill flexed muscles:

Explosive opening batsman Martin Guptill was at his best at Westpac Stadium.

The right-handed batsman Guptill has smashed the English bowlers while having the varied shots in his book.

The big-hitter of the ball in Guptill gave a flying start to the Kiwis. He smashed six boundaries and three sixes. Known for his power-packed performances, Guptill scored 40-ball 65 at the strike-rate of 162.50.

Kane Williamson changed the gear:

Leading from the front, skipper Kane Williamson played a significant role for the Black Caps.

Earlier, hosts lost the first wicket on 39 in 4.4 overs. It further saw Williamson playing some delightful strokes.

The stylish right-handed batsman Williamson, has smashed the English bowlers all-around the park.

Williamson smashed 46-ball 72, as his innings comprised of four sixes and four boundaries respectively.

Making a difference, Williamson scored at the strike-rate of 156.52.

Mark Wood has been taken to cleaners:

Mark Wood, who has been delivering for Jos Buttler-led England, but against Kiwis, he went for plenty of runs – to put pressure on his bowling partners.

The 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler Wood conceded 51 runs for his four overs and missed an easiest of the run-out of Williamson at the none-striker’s end.

However, Wood managed to pick the wicket of dangerman Colin Munro (11 off 13).

After making his debut for Hong Kong, Mark Chapman made his appearance for the Kiwis and was dismissed by Wood after 13-ball 20.

England’s middle-order collapse:

Six England batters did not go past the double-figure mark. In 20 overs, England managed to post 184 runs in 20 allotted overs.

At one stage, England was 109 for two in 11.5 overs, as England lost the momentum in middle overs.

England kept on losing the wickets at regular wickets which saw Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, and Ish Sodhi bagged two wickets each.

Except for 59 off 40 balls from Dawid Malan, James Vince was dismissed on 10 off seven balls.

Buttler faced four balls for two runs and Sam Billings managed 12 runs off 11 deliveries.

Handy with the bat, Willey customer faced 10 balls for his 21 and he was the last man-to-go.

Alex Hales and Dawid Malan cameos:

At the top, Alex Hales gave a remarkable start with his quick knock. Known for his pyrotechnics with the bat, Hales had left an impact in the recent past.

The 29-year-old Hales, who is capable of changing the complexion of the game scored 24-ball 47.

Hales struck six boundaries and three sixes. Moreover, he scored runs at the strike-rate of 195.83.

The 30-year-old left-handed batsman Dawid Malan tried to steady the ship being the top scorer for England.

Malan scored 40-ball 59 which was comprised of six boundaries and two maximums. He scored at the strike-rate of 147.50 to become one of the five talking points.

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