Bethell's Impressive Debut and Carse's Six-Wicket Haul Propel England to 8-Wicket Victory Over New Zealand in First Test
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Christchurch, Dec 1 (NationPress) Jacob Bethell's unbeaten fifty on debut, along with a remarkable bowling display from Brydon Carse (6-42), enabled England to secure an eight-wicket victory on the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
This victory allows England to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, enhancing their World Test Championship point percentage to 43.75. In contrast, New Zealand's point percentage has dropped to 50 percent, significantly impacting their chances for qualification in the WTC Final.
Beginning the day at 155/6, just four runs ahead, New Zealand managed to add 99 runs to their overnight total before Carse's excellent bowling dismantled their innings, allowing England to bowl them out for 254 in their second innings.
Carse, who took three of the remaining four wickets, registered a career-best performance of 6/42, meaning England needed to chase only 104 runs for victory.
The target was achieved comfortably at an impressive scoring rate of 8.21, with Jacob Bethell scoring a brilliant unbeaten fifty off just 37 balls, leading England to victory with the loss of two wickets.
Carse was named Player of the Match for his total of 10/106, marking him as the first England seamer to take an overseas ten-wicket haul in 16 years.
In their first innings, New Zealand had posted 348 runs, highlighted by a solid 93 from returning player Kane Williamson. England, however, faced early struggles at 71/4 until Harry Brook’s remarkable 171 helped secure a significant 151-run lead.
Final scores: England 499 (Harry Brook 171, Ben Stokes 80, Ollie Pope 77, Matt Henry 4-84) and 104 for 2 (Jacob Bethell 50*) beat New Zealand 348 (Kane Williamson 93, Glenn Phillips 58*, Brydon Carse 4-64, Shoaib Bashir 4-69) and 254 (Daryl Mitchell 84, Carse 6-42) by eight wickets.
