S Poddar
In a commanding performance at Durham, England bowled out New Zealand for just 156 runs in 34 overs and chased the target with ease, securing a nine-wicket victory with 172 balls to spare—their largest margin of victory over New Zealand in terms of balls remaining.
The pivotal moment came shortly after the 10-over powerplay when New Zealand lost four wickets for 19 runs in 27 balls. This collapse saw New Zealand plummet from 56 for one to 75 for five, from which they never recovered.
England’s strategy to field three frontline spinners on a pitch left uncovered amid a mini-English heatwave (21°C at Chester-le-Street) paid off handsomely, as seven of the ten New Zealand wickets fell to spin.
Maia Bouchier and Tammy Beaumont then made light work of the run chase, capitalizing on loose deliveries from Molly Penfold and Hannah Rowe. The pair raced to their century partnership with a six each and dual half-centuries by the 14th over, bowled by Melie Kerr.
This match further cemented Bouchier and Beaumont as a formidable opening pair, likely securing their spots for the 50-over World Cup in India next year. Bouchier eventually fell for 67, but Beaumont remained unbeaten, even overturning a Fran Jonas lbw decision via DRS, allowing Heather Knight to score the winning runs and delight the crowd with an early finish.
Alice Capsey, who missed the Charlotte Edwards Cup finals, was notably absent, marking her first unselected ODI since her debut in September 2022. However, the day truly belonged to England’s bowlers.
The turning point came when Georgia Plimmer, after helping New Zealand to a strong start with 40 runs from the first five overs, was run out in an unlucky manner. Kerr’s straight drive ricocheted off Plimmer’s foot, allowing Bouchier to retrieve and throw to Amy Jones, who completed the run-out.
From there, England’s spinners took control. Sophie Ecclestone removed Kerr and Sophie Devine in successive overs, while Charlie Dean devastated the middle order with a four-for-38 spell across nine consecutive overs.
