Hello and welcome to the deciding T20 between England and New Zealand from Hove. The sun is beating down on the south coast, with the mercury hovering around 31 degrees for this third and final encounter.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first on a sun-baked pitch. Captain Melie Kerr said, "We'll try and have a better start than last time," after her side were tottering at 11-4 in the previous match in Canterbury. Despite that shaky start, New Zealand managed to win thanks to Sophie Devine's assured 87 and support from Maddy Green. An all-round bowling effort then restricted England's chase, seeing them fall 14 runs short. Today, it is winner takes all.
New Zealand innings: A procession of wickets
New Zealand's innings got off to a poor start, with Suzie Bates caught by Sophia Dunkley off Linsey Smith for just 3. Izzy Gaze looked promising, scoring 17 before being bowled by captain Charlie Dean. The wickets continued to tumble as England's bowlers dominated.
Dani Gibson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-14 from her four overs, including the key wickets of Melie Kerr (5), Sophie Devine (0), and Maddy Green (14). Sophie Ecclestone was economical, finishing with 1-11 from her four overs. Charlie Dean also chipped in with 2 wickets.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for just 80 runs in 19.5 overs, leaving England needing just 81 to win the series.
Key wickets in the New Zealand innings
- Suzie Bates c Dunkley b Smith 3 (7-1)
- Izzy Gaze b Dean 17 (29-1)
- Melie Kerr c Bouchier b Gibson 5 (29-3)
- Sophie Devine c Ecclestone b Gibson 0 (30-4)
- Brooke Halliday lbw b Dean 2 (32-5)
- Izzy Sharp b Ecclestone 0 (33-6)
- Maddy Green c Bouchier b Gibson 14 (58-7)
- Nensi Patel lbw b Smith 2 (68-8)
- Jess Kerr b Wong 20 (69-9)
England's chase: Off to a steady start
In response, England's openers Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey began steadily. Capsey was dismissed early for 3, lbw to Nensi Patel. Dunkley looked in good form, scoring 22 before being caught off Bree Illing. At the time of writing, England are 40-2 after 7 overs, needing 41 more runs to win.
Maia Bouchier and Heather Knight are at the crease, with the target well within reach. England will be confident of securing the series win on a sunny day at Hove.
Stay tuned for more updates as the chase progresses.
