England women beat New Zealand by 30 runs after handing them a target of 242. Here is a brief summary of both innings.
England’s innings: England started by building 44 runs opening partnership but then Lauren Winfield-Hill got out after making 21 on an ordinary down-the-leg side delivery by Hannah Rowe. Then Heather Knight and Beaumont looked sublime compiling 65 runs for the second wicket but Devine had Beaumont LBW when she made 44. Nat Sciver and Amy Jones went cheaply and saw their stumps rattled by Lea Tahuhu, soon Sophia Dunkley followed them falling in the same fashion as Lauren Winfield-Hill off a Jess Kerr delivery. At 140/5, both Knight and Brunt took control of the game and added an important 88 runs, however after Brunt got bowled by Kerr, the English women got all out at 241, led by an 89 runs innings by Heather Knight.
New Zealand’s innings: Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt bowled tightly as the latter bowled four maidens in a row. With the ball wobbling around, New Zealand lost three for just 31 runs. The two most experienced batters in Sophie Devine and Amy Sattherwaite put their foot down and added 78 runs for the fourth wicket before a disciplined Kate Cross removed Devine after she made 34. New Zealand lost another four wickets for just 34 runs and the score at 143/8. Lea Tahuhu came with a brisk mindset and lined up five fours before Freya Davies’ back-of-a-hand delivery removed her. Leigh Kasparek looked in great touch but a lazy piece of running led to her run-out as the visitors fell 30 runs short. Heather Knight won the Player of the Match award for her terrific batting.