Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook’s impressive 135-run partnership, along with Gus Atkinson’s four wickets on debut, helped England cruise to a 95-run victory over New Zealand at Emirates Old Trafford.
Bairstow was in imperious form, eight fours and four sixes helping him onto an outstanding 60-ball 86 alongside his fellow Yorkshireman, who hit 67.
The demand for Brook to be included in England’s 50-over World Cup squad will now only grow after another stunning innings, cracking five sixes, as England set a formidable target of 199 for New Zealand.
Atkinson (4-20) also had a night to remember as he secured the best T20 figures of England bowler on debut, taking three wickets in one over to bring an end to New Zealand’s flailing innings and seal another win.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Sunday 3rd September 2:00pm
Saturday 2nd September 2:00pm
England’s T20 international series with New Zealand continues at Edgbaston on Sunday. Build-up starts at 2pm on Sky Sports Cricket ahead of the first ball at 2.30pm.
England Women, meanwhile, will be aiming to wrap up a series win over Sri Lanka at Chelmsford on Saturday. The second T20 gets under way at 2.30pm with coverage starting on Sky Sports Cricket at 2pm.
England won the first game in the three-match series at Hove on Thursday – Alice Capsey smashing 51 from 27 balls and 17-year-old seamer Mahika Gaur taking a wicket on debut as the hosts triumphed by six runs on DLS.
Watch the third T20 international between England and New Zealand live on Sky Sports Cricket from 2pm on Sunday (2.30pm first ball). Stream with NOW for £26 a month for 12 months.