England cruised to a resounding 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20 international at Hagley Oval in Christchurch 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 elected to bowl first.Phil Salt and Harry Brook dominated the innings while New Zealand’s defensive performance was below average, with several fielding errors, poor throws and dropped catches.The hosts missed crucial opportunities when Tim Seifert dropped Jacob Bethell from a top edge in the strong northwest wind, and James Neesham then dropped Brook.Brook’s dropped catch proved costly as he scored 78 from 35 balls, forming a substantial 129-run partnership with Salt.Shortly after being dropped, Brook demonstrated his power by hitting a massive shot that traveled over 100 yards past the mid-wicket boundary. “It felt good,” Brook said after the loss in Saturday’s series opener. “It’s always nice to contribute. It was just nice to make a few runs and hit a few out of the park.”Brook’s innings included six fours and five sixes before he was caught attempting a lofted drive.Salt played a measured 85 innings off 56 balls, rotating the strike effectively and capitalizing on loose deliveries.“It’s always nice to contribute. It was just nice to make a few runs and hit a few out of the park,” Brook said of their partnership strategy of remaining “calm and collected” while “looking to manipulate the pitch and put them under as much pressure as possible.”Tom Banton contributed a quick 29 from 12 balls at the end, helping England reach Christchurch’s highest T20 total.New Zealand’s chase started poorly, losing Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra in the second round.Seifert and Mark Chapman provided some resistance with a partnership of 69, but their dismissals around the 10 mark effectively ended New Zealand’s hopes.England 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 evening at Eden Park in Auckland.
