England crushed New Zealand’s hopes of giving their captain Sophie Devine a memorable farewell, securing a dominant eight-wicket victory in a Women’s ODI World Cup match at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Sunday.
The White Ferns’ modest total of 168 runs in 38.2 overs was always going to be a tough ask, despite a tricky pitch offering some turn and low bounce. England made light work of the chase, cruising to victory in just 29.2 overs, largely thanks to a composed and masterful unbeaten 86 from opener Amy Jones (92 balls, 11 fours, 1 six). Her innings was a masterclass in anchoring a successful run chase.
But the true highlight of the match wasn’t just England’s smooth chase; it was how effectively their spin bowlers dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup.
England’s spin attack proved lethal, claiming seven of the ten New Zealand wickets. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt also contributed with two wickets for 31 runs, with a run-out rounding off the Kiwis’ downfall.
Linsey Smith claimed three for 30. | Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
Linsey Smith, who initially struggled with the new ball, managed to snare her first wicket with an innocuous waist-high full toss. Suzie Bates, attempting a flat-batted slap, couldn’t clear mid-off, providing Smith with her opening breakthrough (three wickets for 30 runs).
The only significant partnership for New Zealand came from Georgia Plimmer (43 runs off 57 balls, 7 fours) and Amelia Kerr (35 runs off 43 balls, 5 fours), who combined for a resilient 68-run stand off 81 deliveries.
However, the White Ferns’ innings quickly unravelled after both Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer were dismissed. This collapse notably occurred around the time of Sophie Devine’s final appearance at the crease in ODI cricket.
New Zealand then experienced a dramatic batting collapse, plummeting from a relatively stable 155 for five to a paltry 168 all out. The critical moment that triggered this downfall was the dismissal of their captain, Sophie Devine, for 23 runs by her English counterpart, Nat Sciver-Brunt.
England’s only notable concern, particularly with the semi-finals looming, was an injury scare to Sophie Ecclestone. The 26-year-old left the field early in the first over after injuring her left shoulder while diving to save a boundary. While she did return, the left-arm spinner couldn’t complete her 23rd over, though she did manage to claim the wicket of Brooke Halliday with her last ball (0.4-0-4-1).
With this victory, England’s focus now sharpens on their semi-final clash against South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be strategizing their future, prioritizing a clear roadmap for the team in the post-Sophie Devine ODI era.
The scores: New Zealand 168 in 38.2 overs (Georgia Plimmer 43, Amelia Kerr 35, Linsey Smith 3/30) lost to England 172/2 in 29.2 overs (Amy Jones 86 n.o., Tammy Beaumont 40, Heather Knight 33); Toss: NZ; PoM: Jones.