Sam Curran produced a battling unbeaten 49 from 35 balls to rescue England’s innings before rain brought an abrupt end to the first T20 International between England and New Zealand in Christchurch. The match, held at the Hagley Oval, was abandoned without New Zealand facing a single ball after heavy showers soaked the ground just before their chase was due to begin.
Despite the washout, the game provided valuable insights into England’s form and selection ahead of a crucial winter schedule, which includes the Ashes series and preparations for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
England Post 153-6 as Curran Anchors Innings
England’s innings wobbled early after captain Harry Brook’s side lost wickets at regular intervals, struggling against disciplined bowling from the New Zealand attack. At 81-5, the visitors appeared to be in trouble before Sam Curran stepped up to steady the innings.
Curran’s composed knock of 49 not out, featuring two sixes and four boundaries, guided England to a competitive 153-6 from their 20 overs. He was well supported by Jos Buttler (29 off 25 balls) and Jacob Bethell (15), who both made promising starts before falling to mistimed shots.
Curran enjoyed some luck along the way — dropped twice by Jacob Duffy and Tim Robinson — but made the most of his reprieves, finishing the innings strongly by taking 19 runs off the final over.
New Zealand’s Bowlers Impress Before Rain Takes Over
For the hosts, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner impressed with the ball. Henry’s new-ball spell exploited movement off the surface, while Santner’s spin variations restricted England’s scoring through the middle overs.
New Zealand had looked poised to chase under favourable batting conditions before the rain arrived minutes before the innings changeover. Persistent downpour eventually forced officials to abandon the match without a ball bowled in the second innings.
Ashes and World Cup Loom as England Fine-Tune Squad
While this series may not carry major headlines compared to the upcoming Ashes tour, it serves as vital preparation for England’s limited-overs squad. With only six T20s left before the T20 World Cup, the team is focused on fine-tuning balance and testing fringe players like Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox.
Head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook are also using the series to assess all-rounder options, with Curran’s performance strengthening his claim as a reliable lower-order finisher and seam-bowling option.
England will remain in Christchurch for the second T20 on Monday (07:15 BST) before heading to Auckland for the third match on Thursday. The tour will then transition into three one-day internationals, featuring Test regulars Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Jofra Archer.
Post-Match Reactions
England captain Harry Brook:
“The pitch did a bit early on. Matt Henry bowled beautifully. We tried to adapt, but with the batting depth we have, we’ll always back ourselves to score quickly.”
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner:
“The bowlers did really well. The new ball was moving, and the pitch offered something throughout. It’s just a shame the weather had the final say.”
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