Twitter Reactions: Clinical England brush aside New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead

England’s build-up to the T20 World Cup 2020 started off in a fine fashion. A new-look English side renewed this new-age rivalry with yet another win as the Kiwis were completely outdone in this first of five-match T20I series. Eoin Morgan chose to bowl first at the Hagley Oval and his bowlers responded well. Then, James Vince took over in the chase and played a classy knock to guide his team home.

Both Martin Guptill and Colin Munro were troubled by the tight lines and lengths early on. Guptill walked backed for 2 runs after chopping one back on off Sam Curran’s bowling. Munro too couldn’t find the momentum and perished after crawling his way to a 20-ball 21. In the absence of Kane Williamson, Tim Seifert took the number three position. He anchored the innings and mustered 32 runs before getting out.

While the Kiwis didn’t seem to be heading towards a big score, Ross Taylor and Daryl Mitchell came to the rescue towards the end. While the former scored 44 off 35 balls, the latter remained unbeaten on 30 off 17. Thus, the hosts managed to get to 153/5 in 20 overs. Chris Jordan, even though expensive at the death, did a fine job and picked up two wickets.

James Vince registers a classy maiden T20I fifty

Just like the England bowlers, the Kiwi bowlers bowled tight two overs at the start. However, an 18-run over to follow from Scott Kuggeleijn shifted the momentum. Even though they lost Dawid Malan early, England was always in control of this chase. Jonny Bairstow and James Vince stitched together a beautiful partnership to put their team in command. The wicket-keeper scored 35 runs off 28 balls before he holed out to Guptill at deep midwicket off the bowling of Mitchell Santner.

Once Bairstow fell, James Vince took complete control and played some extravagant shots. He took the pressure off Eoin Morgan at the other end and narrowed the margin down. After racing his way to 59 from 38 balls, he fell to Santner. However, he did a good job by then. Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings ensured that no wickets fell further, took their time and finished the chase with nine balls to spare.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

This Vince lad can play 👀

— Mason Crane (@masoncrane32) November 1, 2019

Beautiful #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/nH6R5CI7Ct

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) November 1, 2019

It's safe to assume that Archer, Buttler, Moeen, Roy, Stokes & Root are being rested from this series but at the post-match presentation Morgan said England are resting "seven players" in this series which implies Willey perhaps hasn't been dropped. Interesting…#NZvENG

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 1, 2019

That was a clinical win for England. T Curran, Jordan and Vince in particular were excellent. It felt like New Zealand got their batting order in a muddle with de Grandhomme ahead of Taylor when they're normally better suited the other way around. #NZvENG

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 1, 2019

11 wickets at average of 10s in his last 6 T20is….Jordan haters SEETHING…. #NZvEng

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) November 1, 2019

Colin Munro played a maiden over. Wow. Players going beyond anything to make records. #NZvENG

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 1, 2019

Tom and Sam Curran opening, how long before the third brother, BJ Curran is in the team#NZvEng

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) November 1, 2019

So Billings is keeping for England in the absence of Jos Buttler and they had Bairstow in the team who is keeping in tests. #NZvENG

— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) November 1, 2019

Vince is the player of the match.#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/9XTYiba0C5

— Darpan Jain (@darpanjain103) November 1, 2019

Quality win for England. Vince exceptional with the bat and a great effort from the entire bowling group. Well played boys, great start to the series 👏🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #NZvENG

— Harry 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Harry_Currall) November 1, 2019

Don't worry lads @BLACKCAPS just a bad day in office

Come back stronger for 2nd match

Hope Tim Southee learn his mistakes as a captain & shows better leadership and tactics in next match #BackTheBlackcaps #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/SEegY0vMVk

— Captain Kane (@SteadyTheShip) November 1, 2019

Clinical performance by England!
James Vince showed the arsenal of a T20 player. Curran brothers too had a good outing. All in all a solid performance by a strong team. #NZvENG #T20I

— Akshit Mathur (@AkshitMathur94) November 1, 2019