Get live score updates and highlights from the England vs New Zealand 1st T20I 2025 in Christchurch — full match summary, key moments, and player performances in real time.
🏏 England vs New Zealand Live Score Updates 2025 — 1st T20I at Christchurch
Date: October 18, 2025 | Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch | Match: 1st T20I
⚡ Match Overview
Cricket fans were treated to a thriller as England edged past New Zealand by 7 runs in the opening T20I of the series.
A gritty knock from Sam Curran and sharp death bowling gave the visitors an early series lead.
🧩 Toss & Line-ups
- Toss: New Zealand won, chose to bowl first.
- Captains: Jos Buttler (ENG) | Mitchell Santner (NZ)
- Key names: Curran, Brook, Buttler, Ravindra, Jamieson
Overcast skies and a green surface promised early movement — and that’s exactly what happened.
🏏 England Innings — Early Jitters, Late Charge
England stumbled at the start.
Matt Henry removed Jacob Bethell in the first over, and tight bowling from Jamieson and Ferguson kept England at 29/2 after 4 overs.
Buttler (26) and Brook (22) steadied the ship before Santner struck to dismiss Brook.
At 78/4, England looked in deep trouble — until Sam Curran arrived.
Curran’s measured 49 (not out) lifted England to 153/6.
He hit two sixes and three fours, farming the strike smartly in the death overs.
England 153/6 (20 ov)
Curran 49*, Buttler 26, Brook 22
Jamieson 2/32, Santner 1/20
💥 Highlights — England Innings
✅ Bethell gone early to a sharp caught-and-bowled.
✅ Santner’s spin choked middle overs.
✅ Curran’s last-over fireworks — 19 runs off Jamieson.
✅ Short rain break at 110/5 slowed momentum briefly.
🇳🇿 New Zealand Chase — Close but Not Enough
Chasing 154, Finn Allen started brightly with boundaries through mid-wicket.
Topley hit back, nicking him off at 19.
Rachin Ravindra anchored the innings with a classy 42 off 33, while Chapman added quick runs.
But once Rashid removed both, the chase lost shape.
At 15 overs, NZ needed 46 from 30.
Neesham tried to finish it late, but Curran and Topley nailed their yorkers to seal victory.
New Zealand 146/7 (20 ov)
Ravindra 42, Neesham 23, Allen 19
Curran 2/27, Rashid 1/24
🔥 Final Over Drama
New Zealand required 15 from the final six.
Curran bowled wide of off-stump, mixing pace perfectly.
Neesham skied one to long-off — and that was the game.
England’s fielding held firm; Buttler’s calm captaincy made the difference.
🏆 Result
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
| England | 153/6 | 20 ov | — |
| New Zealand | 146/7 | 20 ov | England won by 7 runs 🏆 |
Player of the Match: Sam Curran (49* & 2/27)
🗣️ Post-Match Reactions
Jos Buttler:
“Tough pitch, good fight. Sam was outstanding under pressure.”
Mitchell Santner:
“We bowled well but let them get 20 too many. Execution in the death overs cost us.”
Sam Curran:
“Just tried to stay calm. The wicket had bounce — once I adjusted, I backed my shots.”
📊 Key Turning Points
- Henry’s early strike set the tone.
- Santner’s spell kept the chase alive.
- Curran’s 19 off final over swung momentum.
- Rashid’s middle-over control choked NZ.
- Neesham’s wicket in 20th over sealed it.
🧠 Quick Stats
| Category | Stat |
| Total Runs | 299 |
| Sixes Hit | 13 |
| Dot Balls | 61 |
| Highest Partnership | 44 (Brook – Buttler) |
| Economy King | Santner 5.00 RPO |
🌦️ Pitch & Conditions
The Hagley Oval surface had bounce and early seam.
As lights took over, the ball gripped slightly, rewarding slower balls.
Rain caused a short delay around the 16th over but didn’t affect overs.
🧾 Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Format | Matches | ENG Wins | NZ Wins | Tied/NR |
| T20I | 24 | 14 | 9 | 1 |
England continue to hold the upper hand in this rivalry.
🌟 Player Spotlight
Sam Curran — the hero again.
He read the conditions perfectly, adapted to swing early, and finished strong.
His all-round consistency has turned him into England’s modern T20 talisman.
Rachin Ravindra impressed once more — his temperament and range make him New Zealand’s most promising middle-order star.
⏭️ What’s Next
The second T20I will be played at Wellington on October 20, 2025.
Expect tactical tweaks: New Zealand may recall Trent Boult, while England could rotate bowlers.
Another thriller is on the cards as both sides chase early series momentum.
🏁 Summary
England edged New Zealand by 7 runs in a gripping start to the T20I series.
Curran’s all-round brilliance and disciplined bowling under pressure defined the contest.
Fans witnessed power-hitting, clever bowling, and a finish worthy of two world-class sides.
Stay tuned for continuous live score updates, post-match analysis, and highlights from the upcoming games.