England captain Harry Brook produced a sensational knock under immense pressure, scripting history with a blistering century in the first ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
Despite England’s top-order collapse, Brook’s fearless counterattack propelled his team to a respectable total and etched his name in the record books as the first England captain to score an ODI century against the Black Caps on New Zealand soil.
England crumble early as Zakary Foulkes shines for New Zealand
The match began disastrously for England after electing to bat first. New Zealand’s pace duo Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes ripped through England’s top order in a fiery new-ball spell. Henry dismissed debutant Jamie Smith for a golden duck before Foulkes ran through the middle order, removing Jos Buttler and leaving England reeling at 33/5 within the first 10 overs. The collapse continued when Sam Curran departed soon after, deepening England’s struggles at 55/6.
At that stage, it appeared the visitors might not even cross 150. But Brook, refusing to abandon his aggressive instincts, launched a fearless counterattack that completely changed the complexion of the innings.
Harry Brook’s explosive knock rewrites record books
Brook’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. He smashed 135 runs off 101 balls, including 11 sixes and 9 fours, to steer England to 223 all out. His innings was marked by clean hitting, audacious strokeplay, and unmatched composure amidst chaos. It was his second ODI century and the most dominant performance by an England captain in New Zealand.
Brook’s 11 sixes equaled the second-highest tally in an ODI innings against New Zealand. Only Thisara Perera (13 sixes) has struck more in an ODI versus New Zealand. Brook joined an elite list that includes Marcus Stoinis and Fakhar Zaman, both of whom have hit 11 sixes in a single ODI innings against the Kiwis.
The England skipper also became only the fourth visiting England batter to score an ODI century in New Zealand, after Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Chris Broad.
Brook’s partnership with Chris Overton lift England’s total
Brook found a crucial ally in Jamie Overton, with the pair stitching an 87-run stand for the seventh wicket, rescuing England from a dire situation. Overton contributed a valuable 46 off 54 balls, helping to stabilize the innings before Brook unleashed his full power.
In the 32nd over, Brook tore into Jacob Duffy, smashing three consecutive sixes to reach his century from just 82 balls. He then targeted Matt Henry, dispatching him for three more sixes in a single over. His counterattack stunned the Bay Oval crowd and temporarily swung momentum England’s way before Mitchell Santner finally dismissed him in the 36th over.
Brook narrowly missed out on surpassing Ricky Ponting’s record for the highest score by a touring captain in ODIs against New Zealand. Ponting’s unbeaten 141 in Napier (2005) remains the benchmark, while Brook’s 135 equals Chris Gayle’s effort at the same venue in 2009.
With this knock, Brook joined a select group of touring captains – including Viv Richards, Greg Chappell, AB de Villiers, Mike Hussey, Dwayne Bravo, and Sanath Jayasuriya – to have scored ODI centuries against New Zealand.
