When Adil Rashid, the 37‑year‑old leg‑spinner, rattled up figures of 4 for 32, England posted a massive 237 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 25, 2025. The win, the second T20 International of the 2025‑26 England tour of New Zealand, gave the visitors a 1‑0 series lead and sent the home crowd home a little stunned.
Match overview
The encounter was officially logged as England vs New Zealand – 2nd T20IChristchurch. England won the toss, elected to bat, and set a daunting target of 237 in their allotted 20 overs.
England's batting fireworks
Opening the innings was Phil Salt, the 28‑year‑old left‑hander, who smashed 26 off just 12 balls – two sixes, two fours and a strike‑rate of 216.5. He was soon joined by the right‑handed dynamo Harry Brook, 25, whose aggressive strokeplay helped push the total beyond 200. Brook’s cameo included a boundary every four deliveries and a quick 45‑run burst that tilted the momentum firmly in England’s favour.
Other contributions came from the seasoned trio of Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Tom Banton, who kept the run‑rate climbing while rotating the strike. The English side wrapped up at 237/3, a score that only a handful of teams have chased down in New Zealand conditions.
Rashid's bowling masterclass
New Zealand’s chase began nervously. The opening partnership of wicket‑keeper Tim Seifert and opening bowler Tim Robinson produced just 10 runs before the first wicket fell. Rashid, however, was already in full flow. He bowled a tight line, peppered with deceptive leg‑breaks and a well‑timed googly that snapped the middle‑order forward.
His spell of 4/32 in four overs dismantled the New Zealand middle order, with wickets of Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell falling in quick succession. Rashid’s economy of 8.00 looked generous on paper, but the wickets he claimed turned the match on its head.
New Zealand's chase collapse
After a modest start, New Zealand seemed poised to chase down a sub‑200 total, but Rashid’s spin, combined with a disciplined effort from England’s pacers, turned the tide. Captain Mitchell Santner showed fighting spirit, whipping 36 off just 15 balls in a seventh‑wicket stand with Jimmy Neesham. Yet the partnership fell short of the required rate, and wickets fell at regular intervals.
New Zealand were bowled out for 171 in just 18 overs, including 12 wides and three no‑balls that added to England’s advantage. The final wicket – a simple catch off Rashid’s fourth delivery – sealed a 66‑run victory.
Expert reaction and series implications
Former England fast bowler Steven Harmison broke down the match on talkSPORT the following day, praising Rashid as “a special talent” and noting the “incredible impact” of Salt’s quickfire cameo. Harmison also highlighted the strategic use of left‑handed batters at the top, saying the pairing of Salt with Brook forced New Zealand’s bowlers to constantly adjust their lines.
According to Harmison, the convincing win puts England in a strong position to clinch the series, especially with the next two fixtures slated for Auckland and Wellington later in October. He added that the performance would also serve as a confidence boost ahead of the looming Ashes series in Australia, where England’s spin options will be crucial on harder, faster pitches.
Historical context and future outlook
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have enjoyed a competitive relationship since their first bilateral series in 1931. This tour is the latest chapter in a partnership that has produced memorable moments – from the 2015 World Cup semi‑final victory to the 2020 inaugural T20 World Cup.
Looking ahead, the remaining games will test England’s depth, especially if injuries force changes to the squad. For New Zealand, the focus will be on rebuilding their middle order and fine‑tuning the spin department to counteract England’s aggressive top order. The series could swing either way, but Rashid’s four‑for‑32 has already tilted the momentum.
Key facts
- Match date: 25 October 2025
- Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch (capacity ≈ 10,000)
- England total: 237/3 in 20 overs
- New Zealand total: 171 all out in 18 overs
- Man of the match: Adil Rashid (4/32)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect England's chances in the T20 series?
With a 66‑run margin, England now leads 1‑0 and can afford a single loss in the remaining two games to still clinch the series. The dominant performance also puts psychological pressure on New Zealand, who must overhaul their batting approach in the next matches.
What were the standout performances for England?
Beyond Rashid’s four‑for‑32, Phil Salt’s 26 off 12 balls and Harry Brook’s quickfire 45 set a fierce tempo. In the field, Jos Buttler’s sharp catches and Sam Curran’s tidy overs added valuable support to the win.
Why was Adil Rashid's spell so effective on this pitch?
The Hagley Oval surface offered a modest amount of turn, but Rashid’s variations – especially his well‑timed googly – exploited the New Zealand batsmen’s tentative footwork. Coupled with disciplined line and length, the spin broke the rhythm of the chase.
How might this result influence the upcoming Ashes series?
The confidence boost from Rashid and the top order’s aggression will carry into the Ashes, where England will need to adapt to faster Australian pitches. The spin success here suggests Rashid could be a surprise weapon on the harder surfaces.
What went wrong with New Zealand's batting strategy?
New Zealand tried to chase aggressively early, but a lack of rotations and rash shots against Rashid’s spin led to quick wickets. Their middle order never settled, and the wides and no‑balls added unnecessary pressure.
