England emerged victorious in the final T20 against New Zealand, sealing a convincing 4-1 series win. The match, played in Wellington, saw England chase down a target of 137 runs with five wickets to spare.
Early Pressure, Crucial Partnership.
England’s bowlers dominated early, restricting New Zealand to a modest total. Nat Sciver-Brunt was instrumental in this dominance, picking up two wickets for just 24 runs. Despite a valiant effort from Brooke Halliday (33 runs) and Izzy Gaze’s unbeaten fifty, New Zealand could only manage 136 for 6 wickets. Sophie Ecclestone also chipped in with three wickets for England.
Bouchier’s Record-Breaking Series Sets Stage.
Chasing the target, England lost opener Maia Bouchier early. However, contributions from Alice Capsey (25 runs) and Danni Wyatt (21 runs) kept them in the hunt. The turning point came with a crucial 57-run partnership between captain Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Sciver-Brunt continued her all-round performance with a valuable 31 runs with the bat.
Dunkley Seals the Win.
After Knight’s dismissal, Sophia Dunkley ensured a comfortable finish for England, securing the victory with seven balls remaining. This win capped off a remarkable series for Maia Bouchier, who set a new England record for most runs in a T20 series with a total of 223.
Looking Ahead.
This series win is a positive sign for England as they prepare for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Monday in Wellington. Both teams will be looking to carry their form into the next format.
