England claimed an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first test on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, reports UNB.
New Zealand resumed on day four with only a four-run lead and four wickets in hand. The home side's Daryl Mitchell stood firm with 84 runs, providing a resilient rearguard action before becoming the final wicket to fall, as New Zealand was bowled out for 252 in their second innings.
Brydon Carse, in just his third test, took a remarkable 6-42, finishing with match figures of 10-196.
England, needing just 104 runs to win, lost Zak Crawley (1) early, followed by Ben Duckett (46), but Jacob Bethell (50*) and Joe Root (23) guided the team to victory at 104-2 in just 12.4 overs, achieving a run rate of over eight runs per over. The win was completed with more than a day and a half to spare.
Carse's exceptional bowling performance saw him become the first Englishman since Monty Panesar in 2012 to take 10 wickets in a test overseas. He expressed his pride in the team's efforts, saying, "I'm very proud of the outcome today...we stuck to certain plans and we got our rewards during the game."
England's victory was bolstered by Harry Brook's brilliant 171 in their first innings, supported by Ollie Pope (77) and Ben Stokes (88). England posted 499 in reply to New Zealand's 348, taking a crucial 151-run lead.
While Carse shone with the ball, England faced a slight injury scare with captain Ben Stokes, who had to leave the field briefly due to a concern with his hamstring strain. However, he returned to complete his role, showing no obvious signs of injury.
England's strong position from the start was further solidified by New Zealand's poor catching, with the hosts dropping seven chances, including multiple opportunities off Brook.
Despite Mitchell's valiant effort in New Zealand’s second innings, the game ended with England securing an easy victory.
The second test of the series will begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
