England Clinches T20 Series; NZ Win ODI Opener

England won the three-match T20I series 1-0 after the decider at Eden Park in Auckland was abandoned after 22 balls because of heavy rain with New Zealand 38-1 (Tim Seifert 23*); Harry Brook was named player of the T20 series. Persistent downpours and extreme winds, blamed in part on unusually early scheduling for New Zealand’s home season, repeatedly disrupted play and caused damage and criticism. Attention immediately turned to the three-match ODI series at Mount Maunganui, where Brook produced a career-best 135 with 11 sixes but England still lost as New Zealand successfully chased 224. Daryl Mitchell was unbeaten on 78 and Zakary Foulkes took 4-41 as New Zealand secured a four-wicket win after England had been reduced to 56-6 before a late fightback by Brook and Jamie Overton (46). New Zealand now lead the ODI series 1-0 as the teams prepare for the remaining matches.