Earlier, asked to bat, New Zealand got off to a solid start with their openers Will Young and Henry Nicholls adding 80. The openers were slightly watchful but ensured they capitalised on the boundary opportunities as they built a good base. The partnership, however, came to an end when Lawes, the 19-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, had Nicholls mistiming a pull to mid wicket to bag his first international wicket. Mark Chapman got going with a six off Lawes before Gudakesh Motie sent Young back on 49, holding on to a leading edge. A 29-run stand between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell was cut short as the former was lured out of his crease and stumped in Lawes’ fourth over, leaving New Zealand at 126 for 3 at the halfway stage of their innings.
