White Ferns fail to overhaul England

The White Ferns have fallen to a heavy 54-run defeat to hosts England in their Twenty20 Tri-Series match in Taunton yesterday. Chasing 173 for victory, New Zealand were never in the hunt, as they slumped to 118 all out, in 18.3 overs. For England, the victory sees them qualify for the final, even before the teams meet again during the week, having quickly turned around their fortunes after a surprise loss to South Africa earlier in the day in the first game of their double-header. Just three days ago, on the same ground, the White Ferns had scored a world record in beating South Africa by 66 runs, then England had bettered it in crushing them by 121 runs. But the hosts’ 160-5 was this time not enough, as South Africa triumphed by six wickets with three balls to spare. However, the White Ferns weren’t able to land a double blow. England won the toss and elected to bat, and were led to their 172-8 by No 4 Natalie Sciver’s 59 off 37 balls (seven fours), while for New Zealand offspinner Leigh Kasperek returned the pick of the figures, with 3-35 off her four overs. New Zealand openers Sophie Devine (13 off seven) and Suzie Bates (23 off 17) got them up and running, but no-one was able to hang around. At 77-3 in the 11th over, the White Ferns still had wickets in hand to launch but were never able to shift the momentum up, as the English bowlers took control. In the end, Bates’ 23 was the equal top score, with Maddy Green. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone claimed 4-18 off four overs (including a maiden) and off-spinner Heather Knight also produced a tight spell, of 2-17 off four, as New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for 41 runs.