New Zealand have won the 3rd Test on day 5 by 160 runs from England at Trent Bridge. New Zealand completed a memorable Test series victory over England with a commanding win at Trent Bridge. The Black Caps outplayed the hosts across all departments and secured their first Test series triumph in England involving three or more matches since 1999.
The defeat also marked the end of Ben Stokes’ 15-year Test career. England’s outgoing captain walked off the field on the losing side as New Zealand celebrated a landmark achievement.
After winning the toss, New Zealand made full use of ideal batting conditions.
Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham dominated the opening two days with a record-breaking partnership of 317 runs. Their stand became the highest partnership by a New Zealand pair against England in Test cricket.
The duo batted patiently, punished loose deliveries, and forced England’s bowlers into long spells under hot conditions.
Although England struck back late on the opening day, New Zealand had already built a commanding position. The visitors eventually posted 438 in the first innings, giving themselves complete control of the contest.
England answered positively with the bat.
Ben Duckett launched an aggressive counterattack and reached a rapid century. He found solid support from Jacob Bethell as the pair added 179 runs for the second wicket.
For a while, England looked capable of matching New Zealand’s first-innings total.
However, the momentum shifted once the second new ball became available.
New Zealand’s bowlers struck regularly during the closing stages of the innings. England slipped from a strong position and were eventually dismissed for 354, conceding an important first-innings deficit.
New Zealand faced early pressure in their second innings after losing quick wickets.
With the match still in the balance, Daryl Mitchell delivered one of the defining performances of the series.
The right-hander remained unbeaten on 100 after facing 241 deliveries. He displayed remarkable patience on a surface that had become increasingly difficult for batting.
Rachin Ravindra also played a vital role. His partnership of 129 runs with Mitchell steadied the innings and pushed New Zealand’s lead well beyond England’s reach.
Apart from those two batters, no other New Zealand player crossed 20 in the second innings. Their partnership ultimately proved decisive.
Set a challenging target of 373, England began with attacking intent.
Ben Stokes promoted himself to open the batting in what became the final innings of his Test career. He and Duckett added a quick fifty and briefly gave the home crowd hope.
However, New Zealand responded immediately.
Stokes departed for 30 before Jacob Bethell fell without scoring. Harry Brook also threw away his wicket, leaving England under pressure.
As the pitch continued to deteriorate, batting became increasingly difficult.
Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson briefly resisted with a determined partnership. They adopted a patient approach and forced New Zealand to work hard for breakthroughs.
Their efforts delayed the inevitable, but once Atkinson fell, England’s lower order offered little resistance.
New Zealand wrapped up the remaining wickets on day 5 of 3rd Test to complete a deserved victory and seal the series over England.
The series win became even more impressive considering New Zealand’s injury setbacks.
The visitors entered the match without experienced fast bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, while Blair Tickner also became unavailable after suffering a concussion during the Test.
Despite those absences, New Zealand’s pace attack continued to impress.
Nathan Smith emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series, while Will O’Rourke and Zak Foulkes provided excellent support. Together, they maintained relentless pressure on England throughout the match.
Their collective effort highlighted the remarkable depth within New Zealand’s fast-bowling resources.
The victory represents one of New Zealand’s finest overseas achievements in recent years.
The Black Caps remained disciplined, adapted better to changing conditions, and consistently seized the crucial moments throughout the series.
For England the defeat in 3rd Test on day 5 from New Zealand raises difficult questions after another disappointing campaign. The loss also closes the chapter on Ben Stokes’ Test career, ending an era that transformed England’s approach to the longest format.
New Zealand, meanwhile, leave England with history on their side, renewed confidence and a significant boost to their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship Final.