At the Ageas Bowl, the 2nd ODI between England and New Zealand unfolded as a thrilling match, reduced to 34 overs due to rain. Liam Livingstone's stellar unbeaten 95 stood out in England's batting display, setting a stiff challenge for the Kiwis. Even as Trent Boult marked his 100th ODI with a significant performance, England squared the series in a game rife with unpredictability.

Livingstone’s Lifesaving Knock

Walking in with England in a tight spot at 55 for 5, Liam Livingstone exhibited both resilience and flair. He struck an unbeaten 95, marking his highest ODI score to date. His partnerships with Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, which added 48 and 112 runs respectively, were pivotal. In a daring move against Tim Southee, he quickly went from 91 to the brink of a century with a barrage of boundaries. Given his recent outings, Livingstone's place in England's World Cup squad appears secure.

New Zealand’s Early Bowling Mastery

Trent Boult's 100th ODI was marked with a standout spell as he grabbed three quick wickets, pushing England onto the back foot at 8 for 3. His return to international cricket was nothing short of spectacular, underlining his role in the Black Caps' setup. Though England missed the services of Jason Roy and Dawid Malan, it was Boult's exceptional opening spell that was the chief architect of their early woes.

New Zealand’s Batting Missteps

While New Zealand began their chase promisingly, the momentum was lost with Finn Allen's dismissal on the second ball. Daryl Mitchell's splendid 57 emerged as a solitary beacon of resistance. A swift lower-order unravelling ensured the target remained elusive. Reece Topley, claiming 3 for 27, played a crucial role in this downturn. New Zealand's inability to chase down the total was a blend of proficient English bowling and a few rash decisions by their batsmen.

Boult’s Remarkable Comeback

Following a hiatus from international cricket, Trent Boult made a resounding comeback. His early strikes left England's top-order reeling. His quick dismissals of stalwarts like Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes testified to his unmatched skill with the ball. Given this form, it's clear why New Zealand is keen to have Boult in their lineup, especially with the World Cup looming.

Key Contributions from Both Teams

Jos Buttler's attacking style, Moeen Ali's twin feats of fostering partnerships and claiming his 100th ODI wicket, along with David Willey's timely strikes stood out as pivotal moments for England. Such performances ensured England maintained their edge, eventually sealing the win.

Early Duels and the English Retaliation

With Trent Boult's fierce bowling and the absence of stalwarts like Jason Roy and Dawid Malan, England's batting lineup had its task cut out. Yet, Jos Buttler's fierce counter and Harry Brook's valuable stint at the top provided some solace. Despite this, New Zealand's bowlers, aided by favourable conditions, kept the pressure up. Buttler's dismissal at 30 indicated the tricky nature of the pitch, with several balls showing variable behaviour.

Conclusion

In this rain-curtailed showdown, England displayed tenacity, led by Livingstone, to draw the series level. New Zealand, although flashing moments of excellence, especially from Boult and Mitchell, failed to consolidate their initial advantage. As the series moves forward, both sides will be keen to iron out their flaws and deliver peak performances.