Black Cap Rachin Ravindra cuts during his innings against England in the second ODI in Seddon Park, Hamilton, 29 October 2025. Photo: Photosport
Black Caps v England
Third and final ODI
Starts 2pm, Saturday 1 November
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Rachin Ravindra has praised three Black Caps teammates for their roles in the victory over England in the second ODI in Hamilton.
Ravindra scored 54 off 58 balls and was involved in key partnerships with Kane Williamson (21) and Daryl Mitchell (56 not out) as New Zealand beat England by five wickets on Wednesday to win the three-match series with one game remaining.
Earlier, Blair Tickner had a dream return after a two-year absence, taking a career-best four for 34 as the Black Caps rolled England for just 175 in the 36th over.
Tickner had come into the squad replacing Kyle Jamieson who has a side strain and then made the playing 11 after Matt Henry dropped out with a calf strain.
His return comes after two big life ordeals, after his father's home was destroyed in the Cyclone Gabrielle floods, and then finding out his wife Sarah had leukaemia. She is now in remission.
Tickner was named player of the match. Photo: Photosport
"Everyone loves a comeback story," Ravindra said of Tickner.
"Being away from the team for a while, and showcasing his skills as he did today, into the wind from the tough end taking key poles throughout, was brilliant."
The Black Caps lost Will Young as Jofra Archer trapped him lbw in just the fourth ball of their reply, but Ravindra and Williamson battled gamely against the fiery pace of Archer and Brydon Carse.
They were pinned down early and it wasn't easy.
"It was nice to be able to share it with Kane, who is so vigilant in his positions and the way he bats. He brings a calming presence," Ravindra said.
After Jamie Overton bowled Williamson, Ravindra was in a 63-run partnership with Mitchell, whom Ravindra praised for his leadership and stubborn competitiveness.
"Daryl is the epitome of a Black Cap, I think. The way he fights, so competitive, whatever surface it is he will find a way. I think he is a cricketer we all look up to."
Mitchell proved to be the anchor, and combined with Mitch Santner (34 not out off 17 balls) to ensure victory in the 34th over.
Ravindra said the Black Caps had no intention of resting on their laurels for the third match in Wellington on Saturday.
"First, we are representing our country against a quality side. The New Zealand public love getting out and watching against England," he said.
"For us in the NZ team we like to keep building, not necessarily put too much on individual games. I guess the long term picture is keep playing our best cricket for as long as possible."
Ravindra described the English side as "a scary unit".
"The onus on us to keep backing up performances and hopefully we will."
England captain Harry Brook said it was a disappointing performance from his side after also losing the first match in Mount Maunganui by four wickets..
"We want to go out there and entertain the world and it's just not come off in the last couple of games.
"It was only two, three games ago when we made 400 against South Africa so it's not far away, and hopefully we can have a good game on Saturday."
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