ENG vs NZ [WATCH]: Harry Brook hits an astonishing reverse-sweep against Ish Sodhi

England once again showcased their brilliance on Friday (September 1), securing a commanding 95-run victory over New Zealand in the 2nd T20I. This win gave them a 2-0 lead in the series, highlighting their dominance.

Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow’s blitz

The foundation for England’s victory was laid by Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook, who put on a remarkable 131-run partnership for the third wicket. This partnership came in just 65 balls and was instrumental in England’s commanding total.

Harry Brook joined Jonny Bairstow at the crease in the seventh over with England at 43-2 after Dawid Malan was dismissed for a four-ball duck. Initially, Brook was cautious, rotating the strike with Bairstow for singles. However, he soon decided to accelerate. Brook’s attacking intent became evident in Ish Sodhi‘s second over. He stepped down the pitch to the first ball, making room to loft it over extra-cover for a six. The second ball, pitched wider outside off, received the same treatment as Brook once again made room and cleared the boundary.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma interact with Haris Rauf, Babar Azam and other Pakistan players ahead of clash in Asia Cup 2023

Back-to-back Brook boundaries 😍#EnglandCricket | #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/7QxYNwBQnk

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 1, 2023

Harry Brook’s valiant stroke in confrontation with Sodhi

The most dazzling moment of the game arrived in the third ball of the 14th over. Sodhi, in a bid to target leg stump with a googly, was skilfully outwitted by Brook. The young batter ingeniously reversed his grip on the bat, executing a reverse sweep that sent the ball racing over point for a boundary. This audacious shot garnered applause from spectators in the stadium.

Here’s the video: 

Harry Brook, that is ridiculous 🤯 #EnglandCricket | #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/lRykGlW4Ds

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 1, 2023

New Zealand’s resounding defeat and total surrender

New Zealand’s response got off to a rocky start when Devon Conway (2) chipped a delivery to Liam Livingstone at deep square leg, handing young Gus Atkinson his first international wicket in just the second over. The troubles continued as they stumbled to 8 for 2, with Finn Allen (3) miscuing a pull shot off Sam Curran, comfortably caught by Will Jacks.

Glenn Phillips initiated a recovery, but his efforts were curtailed when Adil Rashid had him caught on the boundary by Brook after he had amassed 22 runs. Mark Chapman (15), after launching Livingstone for a towering straight six, eventually found Brook, bringing an end to his innings.

Daryl Mitchell (0) was caught behind off Brydon Carse, and Jacks clean-bowled Mitchell Santner (8). Adam Milne (2) attempted a reverse sweep off Rashid but ended up directing the ball into Moeen Ali‘s hands at slip.

Tim Seifert provided the strongest resistance, but his innings came to a close at 39 when he sliced a delivery from Atkinson high into the air, and Buttler claimed a spectacular stepling catch. The final moments saw Tim Southee (8) and Lockie Ferguson (0) both dismissed in the same Atkinson over as the Surrey seamer concluded the game in style.

Also READ: New Zealand announced squad for ODI series against Bangladesh; Lockie Ferguson takes helm as captain