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.
Here are the Twitter reactions:
This Vince lad can play 👀
— Mason Crane (@masoncrane32) November 1, 2019
Beautiful #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/nH6R5CI7Ct
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) November 1, 2019
11 wickets at average of 10s in his last 6 T20is….Jordan haters SEETHING…. #NZvEng
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) November 1, 2019
Colin Munro played a maiden over. Wow. Players going beyond anything to make records. #NZvENG
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 1, 2019
Tom and Sam Curran opening, how long before the third brother, BJ Curran is in the team#NZvEng
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) November 1, 2019
So Billings is keeping for England in the absence of Jos Buttler and they had Bairstow in the team who is keeping in tests. #NZvENG
— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) November 1, 2019
Vince is the player of the match.#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/9XTYiba0C5
— Darpan Jain (@darpanjain103) November 1, 2019
Quality win for England. Vince exceptional with the bat and a great effort from the entire bowling group. Well played boys, great start to the series 👏🏼🏴 #NZvENG
— Harry 🇬🇧🏴 (@Harry_Currall) November 1, 2019
Don't worry lads @BLACKCAPS just a bad day in office
Come back stronger for 2nd match
Hope Tim Southee learn his mistakes as a captain & shows better leadership and tactics in next match #BackTheBlackcaps #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/SEegY0vMVk
— Captain Kane (@SteadyTheShip) November 1, 2019
Clinical performance by England!
James Vince showed the arsenal of a T20 player. Curran brothers too had a good outing. All in all a solid performance by a strong team. #NZvENG #T20I— Akshit Mathur (@AkshitMathur94) November 1, 2019
