NZ VS ENG TESTS

Right then, this brings us to the conclusion of the series opener of this Crowe-Thorpe Trophy. After an immersive five day battle, it is the tourists who emerge victorious and go up in the lead by 1-0 in this 3 Test match series. New Zealand will be going back to the drawing board and assess where things went wrong. Now, the caravan moves northwards as the second Test will be played at the iconic Basin Reserve of Wellington. New Zealand will be aiming for a redemption and a equalizer while England's goal would be to seal the series right there. All the action for the second Test begins on Friday, 6th December and the first ball will be bowled at 3.30 am GMT (10 pm GMT, the previous day). Also, do not forget to join us with the pre-match analysis and the buildup an hour before. Till then, you have a plentitude of cricketing action to follow across the globe. Cheers!

Ben Stokes, the skipper of England, says that he is happy with the team's performance. Adds that a bit of luck is necessary in cricket, especially when the opposing team is dropping catches frequently. Says that he was pleased to see Brydon receiving recognition for his hard work. Further says that the advantage of having a long batting order has contributed to their success. Ends by saying that, for him, it was a precautionary measure to avoid bowling for the time being.

Tom Latham, the skipper of the New Zealand, says that they were satisfied with their position in the match, despite not achieving the desired result. Adds that if they had taken their catches, the outcome might have been different. He says that they will hope for an improved performance in the future. Ends by saying that on the first day, extending the partnerships they had would have led to a better overall result.

Brydon Carse is the Player of the Match. He says that the team performed well. Adds that the contributions of all team members were effective. He mentions the differences in the playing surface in Pakistan compared to previous conditions, highlighting that the bounce and carry of the pitch suited his bowling style.Ends by saying that he is happy with the win.

Presentations coming up...

When England's batters came to chase a modest target of 104, they quickly adopted their signature Bazball approach, aggressively chasing the target in just under 13 overs. Jacob Bethell played a standout innings, scoring a brilliant half-century.

And at the end of Day 3, Chris Woakes had three to his name while Carse too matched his senior, with New Zealand having a razor-thin lead of 4 runs. On Day 4, Brydon Carse made an early impact, claiming two quick wickets to put New Zealand on the back foot. Gus Atkinson then added to the pressure by dismissing Tim Southee, further tightening England's grip on the match. However, the last-wicket partnership between William O'Rourke and Daryl Mitchell showed some grit. Mitchell, scoring a valuable 84 runs, helped New Zealand secure a lead of 103 runs before finally falling. That gave New Zealand's bowlers a fighting chance as they looked to defend their slender lead.

With New Zealand being the victims of their own errors in the field, it was their chance to bat now. But the top order again, failed to give that foundation as Conway and Latham fell pretty early. Again, it was Kane Williamson who came to the rescue and tried to sail New Zealand out of the turbulent waters. But, he was the only one who fought a lonely battle, getting no real support from the other end, eventually falling under pressure. As a result, the Kiwis found themselves 6 wickets down on just 153.

Just when New Zealand thought that they had the breakthrough and would run the tail after Brook’s departure, in came Gus Atkinson and courtesy of his quickfire stand with Stokes, England registered the lead. Carse too displayed his muscle power. With this, England got that much-required propulsion from the lower middle order as they ended up with a hefty lead of 151 runs. As a result, the first two sessions of Day 3 saw 242 runs being mounted, of which 180 were scored by England.

Enter Harry Brook - the man who rode his luck like a charm. Surviving an incredible five drops, he blazed his way to 171, completely shifting the momentum. Ollie Pope too, sincerly played his part, but it was Ben Stokes who raised eyebrows with an uncharacteristically patient 80, forming crucial partnerships with Brook, although it was what the situation demanded as he kept hanging on the other end.

Day two brought Glenn Phillips' fireworks to the crease. His fearless batting, supported by cameos from Henry and Southee, gave the Kiwi innings the push past 300. But when England took guard, they found themselves in unfamiliar waters at 71/4, with Root perishing without troubling the scorers, as Southee and Henry's probing spells sent the top order packing. Natham Smith, on debut, took two wickets in his opening over itself and importantly, the wicket of Root who went without troubling the scorers. Ben Duckett's 46 stood lonely among the ruins.

Fate played cruel with Williamson though, denying him a well-deserved century. Then came the unexpected twist - Shoaib Bashir, on a pitch that screamed pace, spun a web around the middle order to claim four wickets. Brydon Carse matched him wicket for wicket, as New Zealand's commanding 199/3 crumbled to 252/7 before settling at 348 all out.

Well, that is how to finish up a game in a hurry! An incredible performance that perfectly embodies the Bazball style that England are well recognized for! Day one opened with England's bold call to send New Zealand in on a green-tinged track. While they struck early, the Kiwis found their knight in shining armor - Kane Williamson, fresh from a groin injury, who orchestrated a batting masterclass. Tom Latham played his part with a solid start, but it was Williamson who stole the show, weaving four crucial partnerships that dominated the first two sessions.

Fifty up for Jacob Bethell. Short, on off, Jacob Bethell pulls it through mid-wicket for one. England beat New Zealand by 8 wickets!

Scores are level now! Short and wide, Jacob Bethell slaps it through backward point for a brace. He moves to 49 now!

Shorter, on middle, Jacob Bethell ducks under it.

SIX! All the way! Shorter one from Nathan Smith, on middle and leg, Jacob Bethell swivels and pulls it magnificently over deep square leg as the ball sails into the stands.

Drinks! It just seems like a matter of time now as England just needs 9 runs to win this game. They have raced to 95 in just 12 overs here. New Zealand well knew this would have been the approach and they tried to stop them by bowling short balls but couldn't.