WELLINGTON: New Zealand delivered another powerful performance to complete a 3-0 clean sweep over England in the ODI series, winning a tense final match by two wickets.
Tailenders Blair Tickner and Zakary Foulkes starred with a match-saving ninth-wicket stand of 30 runs, steering the Kiwis to victory after a late collapse while chasing England’s modest total of 222.
The duo’s all-round brilliance sealed the home side’s third straight win, showcasing New Zealand’s depth and composure under pressure.
England’s Top Order Crumbles Again
England’s batting woes continued as their top order collapsed to 44-5, with both Ben Duckett and Joe Root failing once again. The visitors’ top four combined for just 84 runs across the three matches—a record low for any team in a three-match ODI series.
Captain Harry Brook admitted that his side never adapted to the swing-friendly Wellington conditions.
“We didn’t put up enough runs to give our bowlers a real chance. New Zealand are one of the best in the world, and they proved it,” Brook said post-match.
Tickner and Foulkes Lead New Zealand’s Charge
Fast bowler Blair Tickner claimed 4-64, his second consecutive four-wicket haul, while Zakary Foulkes (2-27) struck early to remove Jamie Smith and Joe Root.
Foulkes’ pace partner Jacob Duffy (3-56) also impressed, dismissing Duckett, Brook, and Jacob Bethell in quick succession.
Overton and Carse Offer Resistance
For England, Jamie Overton was a lone bright spot, smashing 68 off 70 balls for his maiden ODI fifty before falling in the 41st over.
Brydon Carse added a quickfire 36 with four towering sixes, helping England recover from early damage.
New Zealand’s Nerve Holds in Tight Finish
Chasing 223, Rachin Ravindra (46) and Daryl Mitchell (44) built a solid foundation before a flurry of wickets brought England back into the contest.
Run-outs of Devon Conway and Tom Latham added drama, both dismissed via deflected straight drives at the bowler’s end.
In the end, Foulkes (14)* and Tickner (18)* held their nerve, guiding New Zealand home in the 45th over and completing the sweep in front of a jubilant Wellington crowd.
Kiwis Extend Their Home Dominance
This series win continues New Zealand’s remarkable home ODI record — 25 wins in 29 matches since February 2019, with just two defeats and two no-results.
With the Ashes looming, England’s struggles against New Zealand’s seamers raise serious questions about their top-order form heading into Australia.
