Salt and Brook's Blitz: England Thrash New Zealand by 65 Runs in 2nd T20I

Phil Salt

England defeats New Zealand by 65 runs in the 2nd T20I, with Phil Salt and Harry Brook starring in record-breaking partnership.

“It's always nice to contribute. It was just nice to get some runs out there...”

England's ruthless batting display, led by Harry Brook's explosive 78, handed New Zealand a heavy defeat in the second T20I. The visitors amassed a massive 236-4 in 20 overs, exploiting some lax fielding from the Black Caps.

New Zealand struggled to cope with England's aggressive batting, ultimately losing the match by 65 runs. The hosts' fielding lapses proved costly, allowing England to post a mammoth total that proved insurmountable.

England's Harry Brook smashed his way to a rapid 78 off just 35 deliveries, powering a 129-run partnership with Phil Salt, who scored 85. New Zealand's chances were hindered by costly errors, including misfields, wayward throwing, and crucial drops. Wicketkeeper Tim Seifert dropped Jacob Bethell after a high catch in the strong northwest wind, while James Neesham later failed to hold onto Brook's chance, a decision that potentially altered the course of the match.

Brook showed his intent just two balls after he was dropped, smacking a powerful pull shot more than 100 meters over midwicket, the ball landing outside the ground.

“It felt good,” Brook said. “It's always nice to contribute. It was just nice to get some runs out there and hit a couple out of the park.” He hit six fours and five sixes during his stay, finally falling after mistiming a lofted drive to long-on.

Phil Salt played a supporting role for much of his innings, scoring 85 from 56 balls, but was instrumental in rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose bowling. Brook praised their partnership, saying, “We tried to keep one another calm and composed” during the century stand, while also looking to “manipulate the field and put them under as much pressure as possible.”

Tom Banton smashed 29 off just 12 balls to close out England's innings, helping his team post the highest T20 total in Christchurch's history.

A dominant victory in Christchurch! 💪

We win by 65 runs to take a 1-0 series lead 👊 pic.twitter.com/bCE1UNUvV3

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 20, 2025

New Zealand's run chase got off to a poor start, with Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra falling in the second over. Though Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman briefly steadied the ship with a quick 69-run partnership, their dismissals around the 10-over mark sealed New Zealand's fate.

England's bowlers, particularly spinners Adil Rashid (4-32) and Liam Dawson (2-38), and seamer Brydon Carse (2-27), were stingy with their runs, helping to restrict New Zealand to 171.

The T20 series will continue with the third match at Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday night, where England will look to seal the series after their 65-run win in the second T20I.