The first game of the four-game T20 series between England and New Zealand was played on Wednesday (30 August) in which England won by seven wickets. Brydon Kars, making his T20 International debut for England, bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets on his behalf and spending runs with an economy of just 5.80. First, New Zealand batted 139 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs, England did it in just 14 overs.
England, chasing runs, lost their first wicket in the form of Johnny Bairstow (4) on second ball of the first over. After that, the team received a second hit in the form of Will Jacques on the third ball of the 7th over. Will Jacques folded after scoring 22 runs in 12 balls with the help of 2 fours and 1 six. After that, David Malan and Harry Brook shared a 54-run partnership in 34 balls for the third wicket.
Malan was sent off on the first ball of the 13th over after playing 52 innings of 42 balls. Malan’s innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes. While Harry Brook scored 43* and Liam Livingstone went unbeaten on 10*, England won in 14 overs. Brook hit two fours and three sixes in his innings while Livingstone hit a six.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse, making his T20 International debut for England, put on a great bowling performance. Kars picked up three wickets in four overs in just 23 runs. He was awarded the Player of the Game title for this brilliant performance. If Kars continues to spread like this, he can be seen as an alternative to Jofra Archer. Apart from that, Luke Wood also got 3 wickets. While Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone achieved a 1-1 win.