England win series with one match to go

England wrapped up a dominant 323-run victory over New Zealand on the fourth day of the second Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington, with a comprehensive performance that saw them take control in all departments of the game. Set an imposing target of 583, New Zealand's second innings crumbled under the pressure, as England's bowlers ensured there was no way back for the hosts.

New Zealand’s hopes of salvaging a draw or even a win were kept alive for a while by a brilliant knock from Tom Blundell. The wicketkeeper-batsman, batting at 7, produced a superb 115 off 102 balls, smashing 13 fours and 5 sixes. His aggressive approach brought some excitement to the final day, but Blundell’s efforts ultimately proved in vain as wickets fell around him.

Blundell's counter-attacking innings was the highlight of New Zealand's chase, and he fought hard to prolong the game, but his dismissal to Shoaib Bashir for a well-made 115 left New Zealand reeling at 237/7. The English bowlers, led by Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, and Chris Woakes, tightened the grip throughout the innings, and despite Blundell’s heroics, New Zealand’s resistance faltered.

The day began with New Zealand still needing 458 runs to win, and although they lost early wickets, Blundell's fighting spirit kept them in the game for a while. Devon Conway 0, Kane Williamson 4, and Tom Latham 24 were dismissed in the morning session, with England's pace attack, led by Ben Stokes and Woakes, making quick inroads.

However, New Zealand’s tail failed to wag as expected, with the middle order unable to get in alongside Blundell. Rachin Ravindra out for 6, Daryl Mitchell out for 32, and Glenn Phillips out for 16 all fell cheaply. Nathan Smith's 42 showed some grit, but after Blundell’s departure, the writing was on the wall. England’s bowlers remained relentless, and the final breakthrough came when Tim Southee was dismissed for just 8, with New Zealand all out for 259.

The final session saw New Zealand’s last wickets fall in quick succession. Ben Stokes, who had been instrumental in New Zealand’s collapse with the ball in the first innings, delivered the decisive blows in the second. He took 3 wickets for just 5 runs in his 2.2-over spell, including the key dismissals of Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and Nathan Smith.

Brydon Carse was equally effective, taking two wickets in the second innings and playing a vital role in breaking the New Zealand resistance. The pair’s combined effort saw New Zealand's innings come to an end with 54.2 overs bowled, and England were victorious by a commanding 323-run margin.

This victory gave England a decisive 2-0 lead in the series, with one Test left to play. The win was built on a complete team effort, with Harry Brook’s scintillating 123 in the first innings and Joe Root’s 106 in the second innings, alongside the impressive performances of Stokes, Woakes, Atkinson, and Carse with the ball.