England dominated the game against New Zealand, winning 4-1. This result promises a strong showing in the upcoming Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup later this year.
Led by Heather Knight, the team put in a strong performance to claim a five-wicket win in Wellington to clinch the final match of the series.
The next phase for both teams will be a three-match ODI series. It starts in Wellington on Sunday before the teams move to Hamilton next week.
In the final T20 match, with 137 runs to score, captain Knight and Nat Sciver-Brant formed a crucial 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket, allowing England to take control of the game.
The English bowlers were the first to break through, reducing the hosts’ lead to 31 for four, while Sciver-Brunt took two for 24.
Brooke Holliday was outstanding with 33 points but was then bowled by Alice Capsey to Sophie Ecclestone, who finished with three for 30. Izzy Gaze finished with an unbeaten 51 to take her total score to 136 for six.
Maia Bouchier, who set an England record of 223 runs, was bowled early in the return game.
Despite losing Capsey (25) and Danny Wyatt (21) before midway through the game, Sciver-Brunt (31) and Knight were able to turn the game in England’s favour.
Despite Knight being bowled out on 35 with just five needed to win, Sophia Dunkley managed to finish the game with just two hits to spare while keeping seven innings to spare.