![ENG vs NZ: [WATCH] Liam Livingstone’s Massive Six Seals The Deal Against New Zealand](https://cricfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230831_132940.jpg "ENG vs NZ: [WATCH] Liam Livingstone’s Massive Six Seals The Deal Against New Zealand")
In the opening T20I of the four-match series at Chester-le-Street on August 30th, Liam Livingstone, known for his powerful hits, launched a massive six to finish off England’s commanding victory over New Zealand. Required to bat first, the New Zealand team exhibited a disappointing performance to reach an inadequate score of 139/9 in 20 overs. Leading the scoring for the visitors was Glenn Phillips, who managed 41 runs from 38 deliveries.
In response, the home team saw Jonny Bairstow’s wicket fall in the initial over, but a stylish fifty by Dawid Malan stabilized their position. Harry Brook later contributed a rapid 43 runs from 27 balls, driving England to a relaxed seven-wicket victory with six overs to spare. Livingstone entered the scene with only 24 runs required and dispatched a short delivery from Adam Milne over the deep square-leg region for a maximum, finalizing the proceedings.
Watch here:
The winning moment! 🏆
What a way to get over the line 👏 #EnglandCricket | #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/ShQ6cmQDRJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2023
The match was a disappointment, especially given the past instances of intense conclusions between the teams, particularly the iconic 2019 ODI World Cup final. In their recent T20I encounter, the Black Caps achieved an exciting victory in the semifinals of the 2021 T20 World Cup, earning a spot in the championship match.
The two sides also engaged in an unforgettable five-match T20I series during the 2019/20 season, resulting in a close 3-2 victory for England.
“It was an excellent display, and I’m very pleased”- Jos Buttler
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, showed clear satisfaction with the team’s well-rounded performance in their dominant victory over New Zealand in the initial T20I. Following the sequence of four T20Is and an equal number of ODIs, the teams are gearing up for their highly anticipated World Cup kickoff on October 5th.
Addressing the post-match ceremony, Buttler noted that his team made a strong comeback after Fin Allen’s three consecutive sixes in the opening over and commended debutant Brydone Carse.
“It was a really good performance, delighted. I think Allen hit three sixes, but we came back strong after that, it was a brilliant effort from our bowlers. I thought Carse bowled with great skill. He stood up and took his chance,” said Buttler.
The captain who led the victorious 2022 T20 World Cup team also lauded the spin bowlers for their remarkable performance and acknowledged the batting of experienced player Dawid Malan during the pursuit of the target.
“He (Malan) is a class player, and he has been since a long period of time. He has shown great form in 50-over format for us. He (Livingstone) bowled brilliantly, can contribute with the bat, ball and in the field, gold dust in this format. Moeen and Rashid bowled really well too,” added Buttler.
Carse received the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding figures of 3/23 in four overs. The trio of spinners — Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone — each secured a wicket. Meanwhile, Malan continued his usual form, hitting his 16th T20I fifty to guide England’s commanding pursuit. The two teams will meet again in the second T20I in Manchester on Friday, September 1st.
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