ENG vs NZ: Liam Livingstone, Reece Topley combine to hand England comeback victory vs New Zealand in 2nd ODI

England defeated New Zealand by 79 runs in the 2nd ODI to stage a comeback in the 4-match series at Southampton on Sunday, 10 September. In a rain curtailed 34-over game, Liam Livingstone hit a sensational 95* to help the hosts win, after New Zealand hand taken an early lead in the game.

ENG vs NZ, 2nd ODI: Highlights

Jos Buttler's England came into the match after their hammering at Cardiff where New Zealand chased down 292 runs with ease. England were looking for a strong response after their 8-wicket loss but did not start off the match well.

Trent Boult, who played his first ODI in almost a year destroyed England's top order to have them reeling at 28/4 inside the first 8 overs of the match. England in desperate need of a rebuild found Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali, who added 98 runs for the 6th wicket. After Moeen Ali's departure (33 off 32), Livingstone vatted like a man possessed alongside Sam Curran (42 off 35). The right-hander scored 95* off 78 balls to guide England to an impressive total of 226 in 34 overs.

England made good use of the momentum in the second innings and kept things in control. Pacers David Willey and Gus Atkinson brought the first two wickets inside first two overs of the match. The visitors collapse from the 20th over of the match - courtesy of a burst from Reece Topley. The pacer picked 3 wickets (Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra) in a space of 7 balls and handed the reins on the game in England's hands.

New Zealand failed to survive 34 overs and were bowled out for just 147 runs in 26.5 overs.

Livingstone was named the player of the match for his 95*. Speaking at the post match presentation, the batter spoke about the depth that England have in their batting and said that he was slowly getting up to his best.

England captain Jos Buttler lauded his players and said that his side showed good intent from the start.

"Delighted! To be able to post a total like that is credit to the way we wanted to play. Liam came with intent and Curran was also good. We wanted to find ways to put pressure back on the opposition and, push their lengths because there was enough help for bowlers initially. Encouraging everyone to be ultra positive. Defining roles will come. Everyone is pretty clear with the options they have in the team. Livingstone and Curran batting at 7 and 8, well within their right to bat higher," Jos Buttler said after the match.