England falter, Ferns fight
The White Ferns have rescued the T20 series thanks to some brilliant fielding, some standout performances from their big names, and a classic English batting collapse.
Chasing a record T20 run chase in New Zealand - South Africa’s 154-5 in Wellington in 2020 - England appeared to be cruising to victory before a brilliant runout by Melie Kerr turned the tide.
The wicket of Heather Knight appeared to cause utter panic in the England ranks, and two more wickets fell in quick succession, leaving England needing eight runs from the final over.
Suzie Bates then stepped up, taking two wickets to complete a dramatic three-run win in game three of the five-match series in Nelson yesterday.
Bates said afterwards the victory would provide a huge shot of belief for the White Ferns, who have struggled to convert good positions into victories.
“I think we talk about them but we haven’t executed them,” she told TVNZ. “The last game we felt we were in winning positions in both innings and let it slip, and today we probably weren’t in a winning position ... [but] once we managed to get into a winning position we took it.
“That’s massive confidence for this group.”
The White Ferns enjoyed an early breakthrough as Rosemary Mair ran out Sophia Dunkley with a brilliant direct hit, but England soon regained the momentum.
Maia Bouchier was the tormentor with the bat, smashing 11 fours and a six on her way to 71 from 47 deliveries. She was ably assisted by Tammy Beaumont.
However, the White Ferns showed admirable fight to stay in the contest, and they have regained some momentum before the fourth game of the series at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday.
After failing to respond under pressure in the first two encounters this week, New Zealand made their highest T20I score against England in reaching 155-3.
Skipper Sophie Devine hammered a half-century to give the hosts hope of staying alive in the series.
Devine was at her punishing best as the home side added 55 runs from the last five overs in combination with Kerr. The captain thumped two sixes and five fours in making 60 from 37 balls, while Kerr wasn’t far behind in their 99-run partnership for the third wicket with an unbeaten 44 from 35 deliveries.
Opener Bernadine Bezuidenhout helped New Zealand reach 40-0 after six overs, but was dropped twice before eventually perishing for 34 from 27 balls.