New Zealand Vs England 1st ODI: Blackcaps Sail To Four-Wicket Win Despite Brook's Century

New Zealand edged out England by four wickets in the opening ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The hosts staged a recovery from an early collapse to successfully chase 224 runs with 80 balls to spare.

Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 78 and Michael Bracewell's steady 51 stitched the chase together with calm authority, securing the win in the series opener. England’s innings reached a respectable total of 223, chiefly thanks to captain Harry Brook's blistering 135 off 101 balls.

Brook's Century Lifts England's Innings

Captain Harry Brook was the cornerstone of England’s innings, scoring a superb century, finishing at 135 runs off just 101 balls, which included seven sixes. Jamie Overton contributed 46 from 54 deliveries. Despite Brook’s efforts, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build significant partnerships.

New Zealand’s bowlers provided early breakthroughs for the hosts, putting consistent pressure on England’s batting. Matt Henry claimed two wickets for 53 runs, while Zakary Foulkes was particularly effective, taking four wickets for 41 runs.

This strong bowling performance saw England’s batting collapse to 56 for six at one stage, before Brook and Overton mounted a recovery. Their innings eventually folded for 223.

Mitchell, Bracewell Steer New Zealand To Victory

New Zealand started their chase precariously, losing four early wickets, including Kane Williamson for a duck. However, Daryl Mitchell, who remained unbeaten on 78, and Michael Bracewell, with a steady 51, stabilised the innings.

England’s Brydon Carse starred with the new ball, taking three wickets for 45 runs. Crucially, England dropped key catches, allowing Bracewell to survive on two and Mitchell on 33, which proved pivotal in swinging momentum in New Zealand's favour.

Mitchell subsequently sealed the victory with a boundary and a six off Adil Rashid, concluding his 91-ball innings.

New Zealand now hold a 1-0 lead in the series. England face the challenge of regrouping quickly ahead of the second ODI scheduled for October 29, to be played in Hamilton.

New Zealand Vs England, 1st ODI: Ball-By-Ball Commentary

New Zealand Vs England, 1st ODI: Toss Update

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to bowl first against England.

New Zealand Vs England, 1st ODI: Playing XIs

England: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy