11 Sep 2023

Impressive Boult unable to prevent Black Caps loss

7:47 am on 11 September 2023
Trent Boult of New Zealand celebrates a wicket.

Trent Boult of New Zealand celebrates a wicket. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

England have levelled the one day series with New Zealand after winning the second game at Southampton by 79 runs.

Rain prevented the game starting on time and after being asked to bat first England made 175 for eight from 34 overs.

In reply the Black Caps struggled to put partnerships together and were dismissed for 147 in the 27th over.

Daryl Mitchell top scored with 57 while Will Young made 33.

David Willey and Reece Topley took three wickets each.

Earlier, Trent Boult enjoyed his return to the national side as he helped knock the top off the England batting line-up.

In his opening spell Boult picked up the wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Ben Stokes and he finished with three for 37 from his four overs.

England were eight for three, 28 for four and 55 for five, before some lower order fireworks.

Liam Livingstone, batting at number seven, hit an unbeaten 95, while Sam Curran added 42.

Black Caps captain Tom Latham spoke after the game.

"The job up top with the new ball was fantastic, Boulty doing his thing was great.

"We're focussing on the job at hand, not too far ahead; playing roles as best as we can. We got behind the rate but if we'd had wickets in hand it might have been different."

New Zealand won the first game by eight wickets.

Game three of the four-match series is at The Oval on Wednesday night.