England face a chance to clinch the first Test as New Zealand wobble at 36‑3, still 218 short of the 254 target. An early 11‑ball spell saw four wickets tumble for a run on a Lord’s pitch that offered uneven bounce and sideways movement. Captain Tom Latham fell on the third ball, Kane Williamson was lbw to Josh Tongue and Will O’Rourke was dismissed by Gus Atkinson.

Emilio Gay’s debut fifty anchored England’s first‑innings total of 226. His 57, nearly LBW, set a platform before a rapid collapse sent Harry Brook, Joe Root and Ben Stokes back within two overs. A vital lower‑order resistance from Jamie Smith (39), Gus Atkinson (14) and Ollie Robinson (29) pushed the lead to 154 with four wickets in hand.

New Zealand’s chase unraveled as Nathan Smith claimed six wickets, including the decisive spell that reduced England to 99‑1 at lunch. Ollie Robinson returned with career‑best 5-39, sealing New Zealand’s dismissal for 113 and handing England a hard‑earned 141‑run victory. The win offers a morale boost after the Ashes defeat and restores confidence in England’s Test side.