England cruised to a comprehensive victory over New Zealand in the third T20 international at Hove on Monday, bowling the visitors out for just 80 before chasing down the target with 37 balls to spare. The win levelled the series at 2-1.
New Zealand’s batting collapsed dramatically, slumping to 33 for six inside nine overs. Sophie Devine, in fine form coming into the match, was dismissed for a duck. Melie Kerr also struggled, recording scores of one, eight and nought in the series, raising concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup.
England’s victory was achieved without key bowler Lauren Bell, who was rested. Dani Gibson stepped up with figures of three for 14, including the wickets of Devine and Kerr in the same over. Gibson credited her remodelled bowling action, saying, “I feel like I’ve been hitting the deck pretty hard in all three games.” Captain Charlie Dean also took three wickets and used the Decision Review System effectively.
Chasing a low target, England lost wickets only when they deviated from a sensible approach. Alice Capsey was trapped lbw and Sophia Dunkley was caught at mid-on. A third-wicket partnership of 35 between Heather Knight and Maia Bouchier took England within 10 runs of victory, with Freya Kemp finishing the match.
New Zealand had chosen to bat first, hoping a new opening combination would yield a better start, but Suzie Bates fell early. Head coach Ben Sawyer admitted the result leaves a dilemma over who will open at the World Cup. England now face India in a three-match T20 series starting Thursday at Chelmsford.
