England secured a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20 international at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday, led by Harry Brook’s powerful 78.England posted an impressive total of 236-4 in their 20 overs after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first.Phil Salt and Harry Brook dominated the innings while New Zealand’s fielding performance was below par, with multiple misfields, poor throws, and dropped catches.The hosts missed crucial opportunities when Tim Seifert dropped Jacob Bethell off a top edge in the strong northwest wind, and James Neesham later dropped Brook.Brook’s dropped catch proved costly as he went on to score 78 from 35 balls, forming a substantial 129-run partnership with Salt.Shortly after being dropped, Brook demonstrated his power by hitting a massive pull shot that travelled over 100 meters beyond the midwicket boundary. “It felt good,” Brook said, after the opening match of the series on Saturday was washed out. “It’s always nice to contribute. It was just nice to get some runs out there and hit a couple out of the park.”Brook’s innings included six fours and five sixes before he was caught at long-on attempting a lofted drive.Salt played a measured innings of 85 from 56 balls, rotating the strike effectively and capitalising on loose deliveries.“It’s always nice to contribute. It was just nice to get some runs out there and hit a couple out of the park,” Brook said about their partnership strategy of staying “calm and composed” while “looking to manipulate the field and put them under as much pressure as possible.”Tom Banton contributed a quick 29 from 12 balls at the end, helping England achieve Christchurch’s highest T20 total.New Zealand’s chase began poorly, losing Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra in the second over.Seifert and Mark Chapman provided some resistance with a 69-run partnership, but their dismissals around the 10-over mark effectively ended New Zealand’s hopes.England’s bowlers Adil Rashid (4-32), Liam Dawson (2-38), and Brydon Carse (2-27) maintained tight control as New Zealand were dismissed for 171.The series continues with the third T20 match scheduled for Thursday night at Eden Park in Auckland.
