Xplorich
NEW DELHI: New Zealand produced a commanding display to defeat England by 253 runs in the second Test at The Oval on Sunday, levelling the series and setting up a decider in Nottingham starting on Thursday.After suffering a heavy defeat in the opening Test at Lord’s, the visitors responded in emphatic fashion to square the series at 1-1. England resumed the fifth and final day on 182-5, needing an unlikely 463 runs for victory, but their hopes were extinguished within 48 minutes as they were bowled out for 209.Fast bowler Matt Henry was the chief architect of New Zealand’s victory, producing a remarkable display to claim a ten-wicket match haul. The right-arm pacer delivered a masterclass in accuracy and discipline, finishing with figures of 6-29 in the second innings.Henry was virtually unplayable on the final morning, taking five wickets while conceding just three runs in a devastating spell that lasted 5.1 overs. His efforts followed an equally impressive performance in the first innings, where he had picked up 5-80.The combined haul gave Henry match figures of 11-109, the best ever recorded by a New Zealand bowler against England in Test cricket. The feat also marked the first 10-wicket match haul of his Test career, achieved in his 35th appearance in the format.New Zealand’s convincing victory ensured the series remained alive after England’s dominant performance in the first Test. With both sides having registered comprehensive wins, attention now shifts to Nottingham, where the third and final Test promises to be a winner-takes-all encounter as the teams battle for series honours.
