NEW DELHI: New Zealand produced a stunning 253-run victory over England in the second Test at The Oval on Sunday, leveling the series and setting up the decider in Nottingham starting on Thursday.After suffering a heavy defeat in the opening Test at Lord’s, the visitors responded in emphatic fashion to level the series at 1-1. England resumed the fifth and final day on 182-5, needing a staggering 463 runs to win, but their hopes were extinguished within 48 minutes as they were bowled out for 209.Fast bowler Matt Henry was the main architect of New Zealand’s victory, producing a stunning display to claim ten wickets in the match. The right-arm pacer delivered a masterclass in accuracy and discipline, finishing with figures of 6-29 in the second innings.Henry was virtually unplayable on the final morning, taking five wickets while conceding just three runs in a devastating spell that lasted 5.1 overs. His efforts followed an equally impressive performance in the first innings, where he picked up 5-80.The combined score gave Henry match figures of 11-109, the best ever recorded by a New Zealand bowler against England in Test cricket. The feat also marked the first 10-wicket haul in his Test career, achieved in his 35th appearance in the format.A convincing win for New Zealand ensured the streak continued after England’s dominant performance in the first Test. With both sides recording comprehensive victories, attention now shifts to Nottingham, where the third and final Test promises to be a winner-takes-all encounter as the teams battle it out for series honours.
