NZ vs ENG 2025: 'Wasn't thinking I was going to play' - Blair Tickner makes stunning international return to lead New Zealand to series win

New Zealand clinched a memorable 2-0 ODI series victory over England at Hamilton, thanks to a remarkable comeback performance from Blair Tickner. Returning to international cricket after a long break, Tickner delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 4/34 to help bowl out England for just 175.

His performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also recorded New Zealand’s first bilateral ODI series win over England since 2013. Tickner, who hadn’t featured in an ODI since 2023, was drafted into the squad at the last minute. In his post-match interview, he admitted he didn’t even expect to play, having just returned from a long winter in England.

"It felt really good. I didn't expect it. I thought I was just going to come and run some tricks. It was obviously a great performance from the guys, so it was awesome to be there. Last night I was having a barbeque at Josh Clarkson's house and I saw a message. So yeah, I wasn't really thinking I was going to play. So I was just here for a little bit of a running tricks holiday. But it was an awesome play. Taking early wickets is the way it goes. So the boys upfront did well and it was a good bowling performance all round from everyone. I had a bit of a long winter in England. So I had a couple of months off. But I'm just enjoying my cricket really. See where it goes. No pressure really for me. I'm just going to get back to the domestic grind, so I'm alright. It's pretty special having them (family) here today. Shout out for them for driving up for me. You never know when your last game is, so, it's pretty special," he said.

Opting to bowl first, New Zealand took full advantage of a pitch with seam movement. England’s batting woes continued as Tickner ripped through their lineup, dismissing Joe Root, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, and Adil Rashid. Nathan Smith (2/27) and Mitchell Santner (1/48) provided support as England were bundled out in just 36 overs.

Despite Jofra Archer’s 3/23 in his return to ODI cricket, England’s total of 175 never looked enough. In reply, New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Rachin Ravindra’s 54 and Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 56. Skipper Santner’s quickfire 34 off 17 balls sealed the deal, guiding the hosts home with 101 balls to spare. This defeat extends England’s post-World Cup struggles, with only eight wins in 25 ODIs since 2023 and six series losses during that period.