Fans go berserk as Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant century powers New Zealand to emphatic series win over England

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The historic ground of Trent Bridge in Nottingham witnessed a masterclass in Test match cricket as New Zealand locked horns with England in a thrilling third Test from June 25 to 29, 2026. Stepping onto English soil with the series on the line, the Black Caps put on a clinical display of grit, tactical intelligence, and sheer dominance.

New Zealand laid a massive foundation in their first innings, racking up 438 runs before their bowlers restricted England to 354. With an 84-run lead, the visitors declared their second innings at 288/9, setting the hosts a daunting target of 373 runs. Driven by an unrelenting bowling unit and an unforgettable batting masterclass, New Zealand bowled England out for 212 on Day 5, sealing an emphatic 160-run victory that left cricket fans around the globe absolutely breathless.

The absolute focal point of New Zealand’s second-innings defiance was a majestic, unbeaten century from middle-order linchpin Daryl Mitchell. Entering the fray with the game finely balanced and England’s bowling attack hunting for a breakthrough, Mitchell anchored the crease with impeccable composure.

While teammates found it difficult to convert their starts against a hostile English attack led by Jofra Archer, who picked up a fierce 4/53, Mitchell stood completely immovable. Alongside Rachin Ravindra, who played a crucial, stabilizing knock of 94 runs off 149 balls, Mitchell wore down the English bowlers.

Mitchell’s masterclass yielded exactly 100* runs off 241 deliveries, a resilient stay at the crease spanning nearly five hours. His knock was a calculated blend of defensive discipline and elite game awareness, punctuated by 10 crisp fours and a towering six. His soaring strike rate of 41.49 perfectly reflected the high-pressure situation, holding the entire tail together and allowing captain Tom Latham to make a confident declaration at 288/9. Mitchell’s brilliant century completely took the game away from England, sending the traveling Kiwi fans into absolute raptures.

Facing a mountain to climb on a wearing Day 4 and Day 5 surface, England’s pursuit of 373 runs crumbled spectacularly under relentless pressure. New Zealand’s bowling hunting pack allowed the English batters no room to breathe.

Zak Foulkes turned the game entirely on its head with a devastating opening spell, tearing through the top order to dismiss Ben Stokes (30), Jacob Bethell (0), and Harry Brook (21), finishing with exceptional figures of 3/52. Ben Sears further suffocated the hosts by giving away just 12 runs in his 6 overs while accounting for the dangerous Ben Duckett (36).

Match Decider: England’s middle-order hopes evaporated entirely when batting maestro Joe Root was brilliantly run out by Henry Nicholls for just 18 runs, a self-inflicted blow that broke the hosts’ spirit.

A fighting, rearguard half-century from wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who scored a gritty 60 off 91 balls, briefly delayed the inevitable. However, spin wizard Mitchell Santner locked down the final day, snaring 2/54, including the final wicket of Smith. England were bundled out for 212 in just 51.2 overs. This emphatic 160-run victory on the final day capped off a thoroughly dominant series win for New Zealand, cementing their clinical superiority on foreign soil.

Also WATCH: Emotional farewell as England players honour retiring Ben Stokes with a guard of honour on Day 4 of third Test against New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND CLINCH THE CROWE-THORPE TROPHY! 🇳🇿

1st Test: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Won by 115 runs2nd Test: 🇳🇿 Won by 253 runs3rd Test: 🇳🇿 Won by 160 runs

A sensational comeback from New Zealand as they win the series 2-1 and lift the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy. Outstanding cricket from the Black Caps!…

— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) June 29, 2026

It's the first time ever that New Zealand have bounced back to claim a three-match series after losing the first Test 👏#ENGvNZ #CricketX

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 30, 2026

– Bazball started Vs NZ in 2022.

– Bazball ended Vs NZ in 2026.

CAPTAIN TOM LATHAM & HIS CO..!!!! 🇳🇿🫡

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 29, 2026

What a century from Daryl Mitchell! 💯🇳🇿A classic old-school Test knock-full of grit, courage, and determination.After taking several blows on a challenging surface, he stood tall, dug deep, and produced an innings of immense character.

— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) June 29, 2026

England have a lot to learn from #DarylMitchell .Scored only 16 runs in a entire session.Several hits to his body.2 times helmet replaced.241 balls for his 6th test century.#ENGvNZ #TrentBridge #Nottingham #BlackCaps #EnglandCricket

— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) June 29, 2026

Daryll Mitchell what a warrior! Took all the body blows and pain for the team. Massive respect to this proper team man. Daryll Mitchell is a true role model for all young and aspiring cricketers to follow 👍

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) June 29, 2026

It was worth it, brother. One of the finest centuries you'll ever see in Test cricket. Daryl Mitchell is one hell of a cricketer in all three formats. Peak consistency. 🇳🇿🙌 https://t.co/SFFYAd4qen

— WeymarOnCricket (@weymarplanet) June 29, 2026

A commendable innings from Daryl Mitchell.

An old-school masterclass—gritty, composed and full of character. Test batting at its finest. 🇳🇿#ENGvNZ https://t.co/FYMSGH8Yxk

— Ashman Sood (@itsthe46) June 28, 2026

NEW ZEALAND BEAT ENGLAND IN THE TEST SERIES 2-1. 🇳🇿

– A monumental comeback by the Kiwis after being 0-1 in the series.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 29, 2026

DARYL MITCHELL – MR. CONSISTENT FOR NEW ZEALAND! 🇳🇿◾ World No.1 ODI batter • POTM in the Test series decider in England!◾ POTM vs ENG in the T20 World Cup semifinal! #ENGvNZ◾ Delivering for NZ across all 3 formats – one of the most versatile batters of this generation! 🫡

— Yogesh Goswami (@yogeshgoswami_) June 29, 2026

Also READ: England captain Ben Stokes opens up on sudden retirement amid Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand