England Women ended their IT20 series with a five-wicket victory against New Zealand at the Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Heather Knight made one change to the side who sealed the series in Wednesday’s match at the same venue, Lauren Filer coming in for Lauren Bell.
Early wickets from Nat Sciver-Brunt saw Bernadine Bezuidenhout and Amelia Kerr, who captained the White Ferns in the absence of the injured Sophie Devine, dismissed.
Charlie Dean bowled Suzie Bates whose strike was caught by Danielle Gibson while Sophie Ecclestone impressed, taking three wickets.
Izzy Gaze and Brooke Halliday formed a record 56-run sixth wicket partnership in the 20-over format for New Zealand as the White Ferns recovered, Gaze scoring a half century as the home side finished on 136-6.
After an impressive series and a player of the match display last time out, Maia Bouchier was caught by Gaze off Lea Tahuhu’s ball.
Danielle Wyatt and Alice Capsey scored 21 and 25 respectively before Knight and Sciver-Brunt scored a combined 66 to set England on their way.
The two teams now contest a three-match ODI series which begins on 31 March in Wellington.
England Women’s Fixtures and Results
New Zealand Women v England Women fixtures (all timings in GMT)
19 March – 1st IT20 – Dunedin – England won by 27 runs
22 March – 2nd IT20 – Nelson – England won by 15 runs
24 March – 3rd IT20 – Nelson – New Zealand won by three runs
27 March – 4th IT20 – Wellington – England won by 47 runs
29 March – 5th IT20 – Wellington – England won by five wickets
31 March – 1st ODI – Wellington – 11pm
3 April – 2nd ODI – Hamilton – 11pm
6 April – 3rd ODI – Hamilton – 11pm
With thanks to the ECB
