![Jacob Bethell struck a fiery fifty [Source: cfbstreamsrli/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1733018876982_bethell_RCB.jpg?type=mq)
Jacob Bethell struck a fiery fifty [Source: cfbstreamsrli/X]
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's latest recruit Jacob Bethell showcased his amazing stroke-play in the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. After Brydon Carse's sensational six-wicket haul helped England restrict New Zealand to 254 in their second innings, Bethell struck a belligerent fifty, powering the visitors to an emphatic victory inside 13 overs.
Jacob Bethell Justifies RCB's IPL 2025 Auction Strategy With Breezy Fifty
After New Zealand set a modest 104-run target for England to win the 1st Test, the visitors had a horrible start to their innings, losing Zak Crawley for a single run. However, Crawley's dismissal didn't affect Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell, who played their natural game and dominated the hosts.
Bethell, in particular, countered the Kiwis' bowling unit with brutality and aggression, smashing them to all parts of the ground. Although Duckett was dismissed for 27, Bethell continued his onslaught on New Zealand, eventually bringing up his maiden Test fifty off just 37 balls with the help of eight glorious boundaries and a six.
Notably, Bethell grabbed the limelight after he bagged a lucrative IPL 2025 contract, with RCB securing his services for an amount of INR 2.60 Crores.
England Crush New Zealand To Go 1-0 Up
Riding on Bethell's flamboyant fifty and valuable contributions from Duckett and Root, England chased the target in just 12.4 overs. This victory helped them get a crucial 1-0 lead in the series and improve their numbers in the WTC points table.
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