New Zealand put on a dominant performance in the third T20 International at Edgbaston on Sunday, securing a convincing 74-run victory over England. This win keeps their chances alive for a series draw. Currently England are leading the 4-match T20I series with 2-1.
New Zealand delivered a great team performance at Edgbaston, winning a resounding victory that keeps the series alive with one match remaining. Finn Allen’s blazing 83 off 58 balls set the tone, while Glenn Phillips followed with a searing half-century in just 27 deliveries. The New Zealand bowlers then jointly collaborated to destroy England’s pursuit on a tough pitch.
Allen, representing Southern Brave in English domestic cricket’s The Hundred, hammered three consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Adil Rashid. The opener found excellent support from Phillips, resulting in an impressive partnership of 88 runs for the third wicket.
Facing a target of 203 runs for their third consecutive win, England found themselves struggling at 55 for 4 in just the ninth over, and their hopes of a tough fight diminished. Jos Buttler provided some resistance with a quickfire 40 off 21 balls, but he too went as the fifth wicket. England’s lower order couldn’t overcome New Zealand’s persistent bowling, with Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sohi collecting six important wickets.
Kyle Jamieson, with figures of 3-23, and spinner Ish Sodhi, who took 3-33, were the main architects of England’s downfall. New Zealand’s skipper, Tim Southee, joined the wicket-taking spree with 2-30. This combined effort left England in tatters, as they crumbled to a mere 128 runs, all out, in less than 19 overs.
This 74-run defeat highlighted one of England’s most significant losses when chasing in T20Is, giving redemption for Tim Southee’s New Zealand side, who had suffered a 95-run defeat at Old Trafford in the second T20I. It also sets the ground for an intriguing decider at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, giving New Zealand a chance to tie the series.
