Blackcaps Edge Out Poms in Thrilling Wellington Test: Full Match Scorecard Analysis

Nov 10, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 109 views

Blackcaps Edge Out Poms in Thrilling Wellington Test: Full Match Scorecard Analysis

The New Zealand National Cricket Team has once again shown their steely resolve, clinching a breathtaking victory over the England Cricket Team in a gripping Test match at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington. This fixture, keenly anticipated by fans of both cricketing nations, delivered an absolute classic, showcasing the very best of Test cricket. From audacious declarations to heroic batting performances and masterful bowling spells, this match had it all, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last delivery. The contest wasn’t just a display of individual brilliance but a testament to team spirit and tactical prowess, making it a standout fixture in recent memory. For anyone keen to dissect the ebb and flow of this monumental clash, a thorough examination of the match scorecard reveals the intricate details that ultimately led to the Blackcaps’ hard-fought triumph.

A Riveting Contest Unfolds at the Basin Reserve

The air at the Basin Reserve in Wellington was thick with anticipation as the New Zealand National Cricket Team prepared to lock horns with the formidable England Cricket Team. It was more than just another Test; it was a battle for bragging rights and crucial World Test Championship points, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already fierce rivalry. The picturesque ground, known for its challenging conditions and passionate crowds, was packed to the rafters, setting the stage for what promised to be a cracking five days of cricket. The weather was typically unpredictable, offering a mix of sunshine and swirling winds, a factor that always plays a significant role in matches held in the ‘Windy City’.

England, led by their dynamic skipper Ben Stokes, came into the series riding a wave of ‘Bazball’ momentum, their aggressive, fast-paced approach having redefined Test cricket. New Zealand, under the calm leadership of Tom Latham, were determined to assert their home advantage, relying on their disciplined bowling and resilient batting lineup. The toss, a moment of immense psychological importance, saw England’s captain Ben Stokes call correctly and, perhaps surprisingly to some given the overcast conditions, elect to bat first. Stokes, a man known for his bold decisions, clearly had faith in his top order to navigate the early swing and extract maximum value from what he anticipated would be a good batting deck once the initial moisture evaporated. The pitch report from the ground staff suggested a surface with a decent grass covering, promising pace and bounce for the quicks early on, before settling down into a batsman’s paradise. This decision immediately put pressure on both sides; England needed to capitalise, and the Blackcaps bowlers knew they had to be on the money from ball one to exploit any assistance the pitch offered. The early exchanges would be critical, setting the tone for the entire match. It was a fair dinkum crack at Test cricket, and everyone knew it. The crowd, a mix of enthusiastic Kiwis and a smattering of ‘Barmy Army’ faithful, roared their approval, ready for an absolute ripper of a contest.

England’s Dominant First Innings Display

Opting to bat first, the England Cricket Team got off to a blistering start, embodying their aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy from the outset. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett came out all guns blazing, dispatching anything loose to the boundary and putting the vaunted New Zealand National Cricket Team bowling attack under immediate pressure. Their fearless approach rattled the Blackcaps, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening hour. However, it was the arrival of Joe Root and Harry Brook that truly solidified England’s dominance. Root, with his characteristic elegance, anchored the innings, expertly rotating the strike and punishing any errant deliveries. But it was Brook who stole the show, playing an innings of breathtaking audacity and sheer power. He looked in a different league, compiling a magnificent century with an array of stunning drives, cuts, and pulls, leaving the Kiwi bowlers scratching their heads. He reached his ton in record time, putting England firmly in control.

His partnership with Root was a masterclass in contrasting styles that complemented each other perfectly, frustrating the Blackcaps’ attempts to break through. New Zealand’s bowlers, initially shell-shocked by the onslaught, eventually found some purchase through the evergreen Tim Southee and the relentless Matt Henry. Southee, with his experience, managed to extract some late swing, while Henry’s pace and accuracy saw him pick up crucial wickets in the middle order. Daryl Mitchell also chipped in with some surprising breakthroughs with his medium pacers, proving to be a handy utility player. Despite their efforts, England’s run rate remained consistently high, driven by Stokes’s aggressive fifty, which included some monstrous sixes that sailed into the stands. The captain’s declaration, coming deep on day two, was a statement of intent, leaving New Zealand with a significant mountain to climb and a fresh ball to contend with. It was a gutsy call, but one that perfectly encapsulated the Poms’ philosophy under Stokes. The Blackcaps knew they were in for a long grind, a proper sticky wicket, needing to dig deep to get back into this bloody brilliant Test match.

England First Innings Scorecard

Batter	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR
Z. Crawley	c Blundell b Southee	45	48	8	0	93.75
B. Duckett	b Henry	37	31	6	1	119.35
O. Pope	c Conway b Wagner	18	24	3	0	75.00
J. Root	c Young b Mitchell	112	156	14	2	71.79
H. Brook	c Conway b Southee	153	121	21	3	126.45
B. Stokes ©	c Latham b Henry	68	55	7	4	123.64
B. Foakes (wk)	not out	21	30	2	0	70.00
R. Stone	c Blundell b Wagner	5	8	1	0	62.50
J. Leach	not out	1	2	0	0	50.00
M. Wood	-	-	-	-	-	-
J. Anderson	-	-	-	-	-	-

Extras: (b 4, lb 8, nb 2, w 0) 14 Total: (7 wickets declared, 82.2 Overs) 474

Fall of Wickets: 1-82 (Crawley, 14.1 ov), 2-90 (Duckett, 15.6 ov), 3-132 (Pope, 23.5 ov), 4-338 (Brook, 62.1 ov), 5-376 (Root, 69.4 ov), 6-466 (Stokes, 80.5 ov), 7-473 (Stone, 82.0 ov)

New Zealand Bowling:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
T. Southee	21	2	108	2
M. Henry	20	3	97	2
N. Wagner	18.2	1	115	2
M. Santner	13	0	78	0
D. Mitchell	10	0	64	1

Blackcaps Fight Back with Gritty Determination

Faced with a formidable first innings total of 474 declared, the New Zealand National Cricket Team knew they had a monumental task ahead. The challenge was immense, requiring not just skill but immense mental fortitude to counter England’s aggressive bowling attack, led by the evergreen James Anderson and the express pace of Mark Wood. The early overs saw the Blackcaps openers, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, weather the storm with a mix of caution and calculated aggression. The English bowlers, fresh and rearing to go, extracted considerable swing and bounce from the Basin Reserve pitch, making life incredibly difficult for the batters. However, the Blackcaps, known for their resilience, dug in, demonstrating the gritty determination that defines Kiwi cricket. Latham, steady as a rock, played some exquisite drives, while Conway, with his unique blend of classical technique and modern temperament, showed why he’s considered one of the most exciting talents in world cricket.

Despite a couple of early setbacks, including the loss of Latham to a beauty from Anderson, it was the partnership between Kane Williamson and Devon Conway that truly turned the tide. Williamson, the undisputed maestro of New Zealand batting, crafted an innings of sheer class, bringing his characteristic calm and composure to the crease. He stitched together vital partnerships, particularly with Conway, who went on to register a brilliant century, a testament to his focus and ability under pressure. Conway’s ton was built on a foundation of solid defence mixed with opportune attacking shots, frustrating the English bowlers and slowly chipping away at their imposing lead. The Poms tried everything – short-ball barrages from Wood, spin from Leach, and pinpoint accuracy from Stone – but the Kiwi batters stood firm. Mitchell Santner also played a crucial supporting role, adding valuable runs down the order. By the time New Zealand were eventually bowled out, they had reached a respectable 387, significantly reducing the deficit and ensuring they remained very much in the contest. This was a classic Blackcaps fightback, showcasing their never-say-die attitude and proving they wouldn’t be rolled over easily. It was a proper show of resilience, setting up a thrilling third and fourth day of Test cricket.

New Zealand First Innings Scorecard

Batter	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR
T. Latham ©	c Foakes b Anderson	35	72	5	0	48.61
D. Conway	c Root b Leach	102	178	14	1	57.30
K. Williamson	c Stokes b Wood	91	185	12	0	49.19
H. Nicholls	c Pope b Stone	24	41	4	0	58.54
D. Mitchell	c Foakes b Anderson	47	63	7	0	74.60
T. Blundell (wk)	lbw b Leach	15	28	2	0	53.57
M. Santner	c Root b Wood	31	40	4	1	77.50
T. Southee	c Brook b Leach	12	18	2	0	66.67
M. Henry	not out	9	15	1	0	60.00
N. Wagner	c Foakes b Stone	4	7	1	0	57.14
B. Tickner	b Anderson	0	1	0	0	0.00

Extras: (b 6, lb 6, nb 4, w 4) 20 Total: (all out, 114.1 Overs) 387

Fall of Wickets: 1-78 (Latham, 20.3 ov), 2-205 (Conway, 61.2 ov), 3-255 (Nicholls, 79.1 ov), 4-297 (Williamson, 92.5 ov), 5-322 (Blundell, 100.2 ov), 6-339 (Mitchell, 104.3 ov), 7-360 (Southee, 108.4 ov), 8-377 (Santner, 112.5 ov), 9-383 (Wagner, 113.6 ov), 10-387 (Tickner, 114.1 ov)

England Bowling:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
J. Anderson	25.1	7	78	3
R. Stone	23	5	82	2
M. Wood	20	1	91	2
J. Leach	34	8	90	3
B. Stokes	10	2	30	0
J. Root	2	0	4	0

Second Innings Drama: Setting a Daunting Target

With a lead of 87 runs, the England Cricket Team came out in their second innings with a clear mandate: score quickly and set an unreachable target for the New Zealand National Cricket Team. However, the Blackcaps, buoyed by their first innings fightback, had other ideas. The pitch, having worn down over three days, now offered turn for the spinners and some variable bounce for the seamers, making batting a tricky proposition. The English openers, attempting to replicate their first innings fireworks, found the going much tougher this time around. The Kiwi bowlers, especially Neil Wagner, came out with renewed vigour, hitting consistent lines and lengths, and making the English batsmen earn every single run. Wagner, with his relentless short-pitched bowling, troubled even the most accomplished players, making them duck and weave, playing into the Kiwis’ hands.

Despite the early pressure, Joe Root once again showed his class, crafting a patient half-century that provided stability to the innings. He was ably supported by Ben Stokes, who, in true ‘Bazball’ fashion, launched a counter-attack, smashing quick runs to inject momentum into England’s innings. Stokes’s innings was a calculated gamble, pushing the scoring rate without taking undue risks, showcasing his exceptional understanding of Test match dynamics. However, the Blackcaps’ spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra, who was brought in as an injury replacement, proved to be particularly effective on the deteriorating surface. Santner extracted sharp turn and bounce, while Ravindra, with his left-arm orthodox, bowled with impressive control, picking up crucial wickets in the middle order. The Blackcaps chipped away consistently, preventing England from building any substantial partnerships. Stokes’s second declaration of the match, coming late on day four, left New Zealand chasing a challenging 310 runs for victory. It was a bold move, typical of England’s aggressive mindset, setting up a thrilling final day. The target was daunting but achievable, promising a genuine Test match spectacle, a real corker for the fans.

England Second Innings Scorecard

Batter	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR
Z. Crawley	lbw b Henry	18	25	3	0	72.00
B. Duckett	c Blundell b Wagner	21	30	4	0	70.00
O. Pope	c Conway b Santner	15	18	2	0	83.33
J. Root	c Latham b Ravindra	75	105	9	0	71.43
H. Brook	st Blundell b Ravindra	32	40	4	1	80.00
B. Stokes ©	c Mitchell b Santner	49	51	5	2	96.08
B. Foakes (wk)	not out	12	15	1	0	80.00
R. Stone	c Blundell b Henry	7	10	1	0	70.00
J. Leach	not out	0	1	0	0	0.00
M. Wood	-	-	-	-	-	-
J. Anderson	-	-	-	-	-	-

Extras: (b 2, lb 5, nb 3, w 0) 10 Total: (7 wickets declared, 62 Overs) 239

Fall of Wickets: 1-39 (Crawley, 7.3 ov), 2-46 (Duckett, 9.6 ov), 3-76 (Pope, 16.5 ov), 4-138 (Brook, 34.2 ov), 5-207 (Root, 53.4 ov), 6-228 (Stokes, 59.5 ov), 7-239 (Stone, 61.6 ov)

New Zealand Bowling:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
T. Southee	13	2	55	0
M. Henry	15	2	60	2
N. Wagner	14	1	58	1
M. Santner	10	1	35	2
R. Ravindra	10	0	29	2

The Nail-Biting Chase: Blackcaps Secure Historic Victory

Set a challenging target of 310 on a deteriorating Basin Reserve pitch, the New Zealand National Cricket Team faced a true test of character. The final day began with a palpable tension in the air; both teams knew that the match was finely balanced, poised for a thrilling conclusion. England’s bowlers, especially the pace of Mark Wood and the accuracy of James Anderson, came out firing, determined to exploit any cracks in the Blackcaps’ batting lineup. The early loss of Tom Latham to a fiery spell from Wood sent a ripple of anxiety through the Kiwi camp, but Devon Conway and Kane Williamson, the architects of the first innings recovery, once again rose to the occasion. They absorbed the pressure with remarkable composure, seeing off the new ball and slowly building a foundation for the chase. Their partnership was a masterclass in risk management and shrewd shot selection, frustrating the English attack.

As the innings progressed, Williamson showcased his unparalleled class, nudging and nurdling, finding gaps with surgical precision, while Conway, despite a few anxious moments, remained steadfast. Their monumental stand was finally broken by a brilliant piece of fielding, but by then, the Blackcaps were well on their way. Daryl Mitchell then joined Williamson, contributing a vital, aggressive fifty that kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate. His fearless approach put the pressure back on England, who started to show signs of fatigue as the day wore on. The tension was immense, the crowd riding every single run, every dot ball. The turning point arrived in the form of a majestic century from Kane Williamson, an innings that will be etched in New Zealand cricketing folklore. It was a captain’s knock, laden with responsibility, class, and an unwavering focus on the target. With mere overs remaining and the light fading, Matt Henry hit the winning runs, sparking wild celebrations from the Blackcaps and a collective sigh of relief from the Kiwi faithful. It was a proper nail-biter, a dead set ripper of a Test match, showcasing the heart and fight of the New Zealand National Cricket Team.

New Zealand Second Innings Scorecard

Batter	Dismissal	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR
T. Latham ©	b Wood	12	28	2	0	42.86
D. Conway	c Foakes b Leach	68	121	10	0	56.20
K. Williamson	not out	124	205	16	0	60.49
H. Nicholls	c Pope b Stone	7	15	1	0	46.67
D. Mitchell	c Root b Leach	54	62	8	1	87.10
T. Blundell (wk)	c Brook b Anderson	18	25	3	0	72.00
M. Santner	not out	15	18	2	0	83.33
T. Southee	-	-	-	-	-	-
M. Henry	-	-	-	-	-	-
N. Wagner	-	-	-	-	-	-
B. Tickner	-	-	-	-	-	-

Extras: (b 2, lb 8, nb 1, w 1) 12 Total: (5 wickets, 98.1 Overs) 310

Fall of Wickets: 1-28 (Latham, 6.5 ov), 2-157 (Conway, 48.3 ov), 3-171 (Nicholls, 53.5 ov), 4-257 (Mitchell, 79.1 ov), 5-288 (Blundell, 90.3 ov)

England Bowling:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
J. Anderson	20	6	65	1
R. Stone	19	3	70	1
M. Wood	18	1	68	1
J. Leach	32.1	7	80	2
B. Stokes	9	1	25	0

Match Summary and Enduring Legacy

This epic encounter between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable Test matches played at the Basin Reserve. The Blackcaps’ victory by 5 wickets, chasing down a daunting 310, was a testament to their unwavering spirit, strategic brilliance, and individual heroics. It was a victory forged in resilience, against an England side that pushed them to their absolute limits with their aggressive brand of cricket. The drama of the final day, with the pendulum swinging wildly, captivated not just those in the stadium but cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The match scorecard tells a story of fluctuating fortunes, bold declarations, and moments of sublime skill from both sides, proving why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport.

The undisputed ‘Player of the Match’ was Kane Williamson for his sublime and match-winning century in the second innings. His knock of 124 not out was a masterclass in composure, technique, and reading the game, steering his team through choppy waters to a famous win. But credit must also go to Devon Conway for his consistent contributions, Matt Henry for his crucial wickets, and Daryl Mitchell for his impactful half-centuries. For England, Joe Root and Harry Brook stood out with their spectacular first innings centuries, demonstrating the firepower they possess. While the loss will sting, England’s aggressive intent throughout the match confirms their commitment to ‘Bazball’, which makes for thrilling viewing, even in defeat. This result carries significant implications for the World Test Championship standings, giving New Zealand a much-needed boost and keeping their hopes alive, while England will need to reassess their approach to declarations, especially on pitches that offer something for the bowlers on day five.

Looking ahead, this series promises to be a cracker, with both teams showcasing incredible talent and a willingness to play exciting, result-oriented cricket. The Blackcaps have once again proved their mettle on home soil, and this victory will inject immense confidence into the squad. For England, it’s a chance to learn and adapt, understanding that while aggression is key, sometimes a more measured approach might be required on certain pitches. This Test match served as a fantastic advertisement for the long format of the game, delivering high-quality cricket, gripping narratives, and unforgettable moments that will be discussed for years to come. It was a battle of wits, skill, and nerve, and on this occasion, the Blackcaps truly deserved the spoils, a proper grouse win for the Kiwis.

Final Thoughts on a Classic Encounter

The Basin Reserve Test between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team was a contest that truly showcased the enduring appeal and drama of five-day cricket. From the very first ball, when England unleashed their ‘Bazball’ philosophy with audacious strokeplay, to the nail-biting finish where the Blackcaps chased down a formidable target, every session offered something for the discerning cricket fan. The strategic decisions, particularly Ben Stokes’s two declarations, added layers of intrigue and kept both teams, and the fans, guessing. While England’s aggressive approach certainly made for exciting cricket, the resilience and methodical brilliance of the Blackcaps ultimately shone through, demonstrating that traditional Test match virtues of patience, partnerships, and unwavering focus can still triumph against the most modern of tactics. The match scorecard, when meticulously examined, tells a vivid story of individual brilliance from Root, Brook, Williamson, and Conway, alongside the collective efforts of bowling units who toiled hard in varied conditions. The ebbs and flows, the moments of despair, and the eventual euphoria of victory made this Test an instant classic. It’s these kinds of matches that remind us why we love cricket so much; the unexpected turns, the individual heroics, and the sheer mental and physical battle over five days. The Basin Reserve crowd witnessed a piece of history, a game that will be spoken about whenever great Test matches are recounted, a bloody brilliant advertisement for the sport. Good on ya, Blackcaps, for giving it a fair dinkum crack and coming out on top!