The quick bowler displayed outstanding bowling prowess, ending with spectacular figures of 4-20. He concluded the sport in spectacular trend by taking three wickets in a single over, inflicting New Zealand to break down to a mere 103 all-out of their pursuit of a difficult goal of 199. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid additionally contributed with 2-18 in his three overs.
This victory propelled the reigning T20 world champions, England, to a commanding 2-Zero lead within the four-match sequence. It adopted their equally dominant seven-wicket win at Chester-le-Road simply two days prior.
The inspiration for Friday’s resounding victory was laid by Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook. Bairstow displayed outstanding resilience by remaining unbeaten at 86, whereas Brook contributed with an electrifying 67 in England’s complete of 198-4. Collectively, they solid a partnership of 131 runs for the third wicket in a mere 65 balls, setting the stage for England’s commanding win. Bairstow’s innings featured eight fours and 4 sixes in his 60-ball keep on the crease.
Brook, controversially omitted from reigning champions England’s squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India, struck fives sixes in his 36-ball innings.
New Zealand captain Tim Southee conceded 23 runs in a single over, with the paceman returning figures of 1-48.
The vacationers have been by no means within the hunt with the bat, solely Tim Seifert (39) providing a lot resistance in an innings the place simply two different batsmen reached double-figures, with Glenn Phillips contributing 22 and Mark Chapman making 15.
New Zealand slumped to 8-2 of their reply, with Devon Conway chipping Atkinson to Liam Livingstone at deep sq. leg to offer the 25-year-old fast his first worldwide wicket within the second over.
The damaging Finn Allen then miscued a pull off Sam Curran and was comfortably held by Will Jacks.
Phillips appeared to be launching one thing of a restoration earlier than Rashid had him caught on the boundary by Brook.
Chapman, after launching spinner Liam Livingstone for a straight six, then discovered the identical fielder.
Daryl Mitchell was caught behind off Brydon Carse, Mitchell Santner clear bowled by Jacks and Adam Milne reversed swept Rashid to Moeen Ali at slip.
Seifert fell when he sliced Atkinson excessive into the Manchester sky earlier than wicketkeeper Buttler held a steepling catch.
Southee and Lockie Ferguson then fell in the identical Atkinson over — the 14th — to set the seal on one other dominant England show.
The sequence continues at Edgbaston on Sunday.
(With inputs from AFP)