After 16 years, England wins Test series in New Zealand, defeated them by 323 runs
England secured a commanding 323-run victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Wellington, marking their first series win in New Zealand since 2008. After declaring their second innings at 427-6, England set the Black Caps a daunting target of 583 runs. Joe Root contributed significantly with his 36th Test century, scoring 106 runs with a creative reverse ramp shot.
Despite Tom Blundell’s defiant century, scoring 115 off 102 balls, New Zealand was bowled out for 259. Blundell’s innings provided a brief spark amid a struggling top order, but his dismissal marked the beginning of the end for the hosts. Ben Stokes led the charge with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs.
England’s seam attack was relentless, with Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse making early inroads into the New Zealand batting lineup. Woakes dismissed Devon Conway for a duck and claimed Kane Williamson’s wicket shortly after. Gus Atkinson also made headlines by taking a hat-trick, becoming the first player to achieve this feat at Basin Reserve.
With this victory, England leads the three-match series 2-0, heading into the final Test in Hamilton with momentum and confidence. The win underscores England’s dominance in the series, having previously won the first Test by eight wickets in Christchurch.