Fans react as Matt Henry sizzles in New Zealand’s commanding win over England in the 2nd Test

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New Zealand produced a clinical performance with both bat and ball to register a comprehensive 253-run victory over England in the second Test of the 2026 series. After posting 391 in the first innings and following it up with 362 in the second, the visitors bundled England out for 291 and 209 to seal an emphatic triumph, with Glenn Phillips’ first-innings century and Matt Henry’s relentless pace bowling playing decisive roles.

Glenn Phillips rescues New Zealand after shaky start

The visitors endured an early wobble after losing Devon Conway and captain Tom Latham cheaply, slipping to 58 for 2. Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra attempted to steady the innings, but England continued to chip away with wickets.

The momentum shifted through Daryl Mitchell and Phillips, who stitched together an important partnership in the middle order. Mitchell contributed a patient 44 before Phillips took charge with a superb century, compiling 100 from 135 deliveries and frustrating the English attack. Valuable lower-order contributions from Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith further boosted New Zealand to 391.

Jofra Archer claimed two wickets while Matthew Fisher and Jacob Bethell also made useful breakthroughs, but England were left to rue their inability to wrap up the innings earlier.

England respond but fall 100 runs short

England’s reply never truly gathered sustained momentum despite useful contributions throughout the order. Ben Duckett provided an aggressive start before Joe Root top-scored with 46 and Jordan Cox added 27.

However, New Zealand’s seam attack consistently struck at crucial moments. Matt Henry was the standout performer, finishing with a magnificent five-wicket haul that dismantled the middle and lower order. William O’Rourke and Smith chipped in with timely wickets as England were dismissed for 291, conceding a significant first-innings deficit of 100 runs.

Rachin Ravindra and Daryll Mitchell extend lead before Matt Henry finishes the job

New Zealand capitalised on their advantage in the second innings despite another early stumble. Ravindra anchored the batting with a fluent 76, while Henry Nicholls recovered from his first-innings disappointment to score 60. Mitchell once again proved dependable with 68, ensuring England were set a daunting target.

Archer impressed with three wickets, and Matthew Fisher also collected three scalps, but New Zealand’s total of 362 stretched the overall target beyond England’s reach.

Chasing a mammoth fourth-innings score, England’s batting faltered almost immediately. Jamieson removed Emilio Gay and Jacob Bethell in quick succession before William O’Rourke dismissed Ben Duckett. Root battled hard for 77 and Harry Brook entertained with a rapid 58, but neither could inspire a remarkable escape. Henry then produced a devastating spell, ripping through the lower order to finish with outstanding figures of 6 for 29. England collapsed from a position of relative stability to 209 all out, handing New Zealand a commanding 253-run victory.

The comprehensive win showcased New Zealand’s balance across departments, with key contributions from Phillips, Ravindra, Mitchell and Henry ensuring the tourists outplayed England over the course of the match.

Also WATCH: ENG vs NZ – Joe Root grabs a rocket shot with his bare hands to remove Tom Blundell during Day 2 of second Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: “I know he’s watching”: Glenn Phillips dedicates maiden Test century to his late father – ENG vs NZ

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com

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