Debutant Atkinson strikes as England thrash New Zealand

Gus Atkinson

England debutant Gus Atkinson took four wickets as the hosts hammered New Zealand by 95 runs in the second T20 International at Old Trafford on Friday.

The fast bowler finished with excellent figures of 4-20 - the best by an England debutant at this level - and wrapped up the game by taking three wickets in an over as New Zealand, set a stiff chase of 199, collapsed to 103 all out.

The victory left T20 world champions England 2-0 ahead in the four-match series, this win following their equally emphatic seven-wicket success at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.

Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook laid the foundations for Friday's overwhelming result. Bairstow batted through the innings for 86 not out and Brook made a dashing 67 in England's 198-4.

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An elated Atkinson told the BBC: "I didn't know those were the best figures by an England bowler on T20 debut - that's lovely to hear."

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