The build-up of England to the T20I World Cup 2020 started in a fine fashion. This new-age rivalry was renewed by a new-look English side with yet another victory as the Kiwis were outdone in this first of the five-match T20I series.
At the Hagley Oval, Eoin Morgan chose to bowl first, and his bowlers reacted well. Instead, in the chase, James Vince took over to play a good knock for his team.
Early on, the close lines and lengths worried both Martin Guptill and Colin Munro. After chopping one back on Sam Curran’s bowling, Guptill walked back for 2.
James Vince registers a classy maiden T20I fifty
Like the England bowlers, in the beginning, the Kiwi bowlers bowled two overs closely. An 18-run over from Scott Kuggeleijn, however, changed the momentum. Despite the early loss of Dawid Malan, England was still in control of this chase.
Jonny Bairstow and James Vince stitched a relationship together to put their team ahead. The wicket-keeper scored 35 runs off 28 balls before he holed out to Guptill at deep mid-wicket of Mitchell Santner’s bowling. James Vince took full control after Bairstow collapsed and played some crazy shots. At the other end, he took off the pressure from Eoin Morgan and narrowed down the margin.
He fell to Santner after racing his way to 59 out of 38 balls. He did a good job by that time, though. Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings ensured no more wickets fell, took their time and ended the chase with nine balls to spare.
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