New Zealand outclassed England by two wickets in the third ODI of the three-match series at Wellington. The hosts showed their dominance in home conditions and gave early blows to England, but Jamie Overton’s superb half-century, along with useful contributions from Jos Buttler and Brydon Carse, helped the visitors post a fighting total of 222.

While chasing, New Zealand appeared to be cruising towards the target as Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell guided their innings, but England’s bowlers triggered a late collapse. From 188 for 5, the hosts slipped to 196 for 8, with Mitchell dismissed for 44, edging Sam Curran behind.

Despite the scare, Blair Tickner and Zak Foulkes held their nerve to finish the job with an unbeaten ninth-wicket stand. With this win, New Zealand completed a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series.

Tickner and Foulkes Shine With the Ball

Earlier, Tickner starred again with the ball, claiming four wickets for the second consecutive match. He was supported by Jacob Duffy and Foulkes, who ripped through England’s top order within the first 10.1 overs, reducing them to 44 for 5.

England’s early collapse mirrored their previous failures. The top four once again failed to reach double figures. Partnerships between Jos Buttler and Sam Curran, and later Overton and Brydon Carse, helped the visitors avoid complete disaster.

Overton’s quickfire 68, including 10 fours and two sixes, gave England something to defend. But the target still looked modest.

Conway and Ravindra Lead Strong Start

New Zealand’s chase began smoothly with a 78-run opening stand between Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Conway, who replaced the injured Kane Williamson, handled Jofra Archer’s fiery pace well. He even lifted a checked drive for six over extra cover.

Ravindra counterattacked with crisp boundaries off Brydon Carse, and by the end of the powerplay, New Zealand were 64 for 0.

However, England found a breakthrough in an unexpected way. A drive from Ravindra deflected off Overton’s wrist and hit the stumps, leaving Conway stranded for a run-out. Soon after, Curran bowled Ravindra, and Overton dismissed Will Young to spark a mini-collapse.

Middle-Order Drama and Late Nerves

Tom Latham was run out in similar fashion after a deflection from a Mitchell drive hit the stumps. Adil Rashid then removed Michael Bracewell for 10 with his second ball. New Zealand still needed 76 runs at that stage.

Mitchell Santner countered with two fours and two sixes to ease the pressure, but England kept fighting. Santner fell to Carse, Overton bowled Nathan Smith, and Curran dismissed Mitchell to make it 196 for 8.

However, the tailenders Tickner and Foulkes calmly finished the chase, sealing the series in style.

England’s Top Order Fails Again

England’s batting collapse continued throughout the series. Their top four scored only 84 runs in total across three matches — the lowest ever for any team batting three times in an ODI series.

Foulkes, playing his debut series, struck with his fourth ball to remove Jamie Smith, while Duffy trapped Joe Root and dismissed Ben Duckett cheaply. By the 10th over, England were reeling at 31 for 4.

Harry Brook, who rescued England in the first ODI with a blazing 135, fell early this time. Jacob Bethell briefly steadied the innings before falling to a sharp catch from Mitchell.

Despite Buttler’s efforts, Tickner’s double strike — removing Curran and Buttler — left England struggling again. Overton and Carse fought back bravely, adding quick runs down the order, but the damage had already been done.