England Women crushed New Zealand Women by 7 wickets in the third T20I of the three-match series at Hove. After being asked to bat first, New Zealand Women managed to score only 80 runs and were bowled out with five balls to spare. The impressive bowling performances of Linsey Smith (2/15 in 4 overs) and Charlie Dean (3/13 in 3.1 overs) started the demolition, while Dani Gibson (3/14 in 4 overs) wrapped things up, with support from Issy Wong and Sophie Ecclestone. Jess Kerr remained the highest scorer for New Zealand Women.
In reply, England Women lost a few wickets but comfortably chased down the target with 37 balls to spare. Sophia Dunkley remained the top scorer for England Women. Nensi Patel (1/7 in 2 overs) was the best bowler for New Zealand Women. The hosts controlled the game from the start with a clinical bowling display that dismantled the visitors’ batting order. With this win, England Women sealed the series 2-1.
England Bowlers Destroy New Zealand Batting Line-Up
England’s bowlers set the tone early and never let New Zealand recover. Dani Gibson delivered career-best figures of 3 for 14, while stand-in captain Charlie Dean took 3 for 13 as New Zealand were bowled out for just 80.
The collapse came after England responded strongly to their 14-run defeat in the second T20I. This time, they showed no mercy, wrapping up the innings with five balls to spare. New Zealand, who had briefly troubled England in the previous match by reducing them to 11 for 4, failed to repeat that fightback.
New Zealand Collapse in Powerplay and Beyond
New Zealand’s innings never recovered from a disastrous start. Linsey Smith struck early in the powerplay, conceding just 6 runs in two overs while taking a key wicket. Soon after, Gibson removed both Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine, leaving the visitors in deep trouble at 30 for 4.
There were no rescue acts this time from Devine, who had been in strong form earlier in the tour. She fell for a five-ball duck after miscuing a lofted shot. From there, New Zealand collapsed further to 33 for 6.
England Maintain Pressure With Relentless Bowling
England continued to dominate as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Charlie Dean struck again after a successful review, trapping Brook Halliday lbw. Sophie Ecclestone then returned from injury to bowl tightly, finishing with 1 for 11 and breaking through the middle order.
Issy Wong also contributed by dismissing Jess Kerr, who top-scored for New Zealand with just 20 runs. From 58 for 7, the innings quickly collapsed as England’s bowlers closed out the tail with ease.
England Chase Target Comfortably Despite Early Wickets
England’s chase was not flawless as both openers fell inside the powerplay. Alice Capsey, opening again in the absence of regular players, was trapped lbw for a duck. Sophia Dunkley added 22 before getting out trying to attack.
However, the target was never in doubt. England reached 81 with 6.1 overs remaining, finishing the chase comfortably despite a couple of early setbacks.
New Zealand also missed key opportunities in the field. Heather Knight was dropped early on 4, a costly mistake that further tilted the match in England’s favour. Even when she was later dismissed, the damage had already been done. England had already taken full control through their bowling, and New Zealand could not recover from their top-order collapse.
The victory gave England a 2–1 series win and strong momentum heading into upcoming assignments. However, the performance raised concerns for New Zealand, who are the defending champions in next month’s T20 World Cup. England now prepare for a tougher challenge against India in their upcoming T20I series, while also managing squad availability issues ahead of their home World Cup campaign. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!