England beat New Zealand by 65 runs in Christchurch to take 1-0 lead

England captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt produced a blistering partnership to propel the tourists to a commanding 65-run win over New Zealand in the second T20 International at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday, handing England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with one game to play. Brook’s 78 off 35 balls and Salt’s 85 off 56 helped England post 236 for four, the highest T20 international total recorded at the venue, before New Zealand were bowled out for 171 in 18 overs.

After being asked to bat, England recovered from an early loss of Jos Buttler to put together a 129-run stand between Salt and Brook that tilted the match decisively. Salt combined crisp placement and boundary hitting, striking 11 fours and one six, while Brook unleashed sustained power, hitting five sixes and six fours in a 35-ball innings that included several blows dispatched over midwicket. Tom Banton’s late cameo of 29 not out off 12 balls helped England push past 230.

England’s dominant total was aided by two missed chances in the field. Jimmy Neesham spilled a regulation catch on Brook when the captain was on 39, and New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert failed to hold a swirling top-edge...