New Zealand thrash England by 423 runs to secure consolation victory
HAMILTON: New Zealand produced a dominant display to defeat England by 423 runs at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on Tuesday, marking skipper Tim Southee’s final Test on home soil with a resounding win. The victory, which ended inside four days, served as a consolation after the Black Caps suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches of the series.
The hosts, who had arrived with high expectations following a historic 3-0 series sweep in India, struggled to replicate their form in Christchurch and Wellington. However, they rediscovered their rhythm in Hamilton, claiming their biggest ever win by runs and inflicting England’s fourth-worst defeat in Test history.
Recalled spinner Mitchell Santner starred with both bat and ball, taking a match tally of 7 wickets, including 4-85 in the second innings, while contributing crucial knocks of 76 and 49. Santner’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, but the victory was a collective effort as New Zealand dismantled the England batting lineup.
The emphatic result not only ended the series on a high note for New Zealand but also served as a fitting farewell for Southee on his home ground, cementing his legacy as one of the Black Caps’ greatest leaders.
