S Poddar
England’s women’s cricket team ended their international summer on a high note, clinching a 20-run victory over New Zealand at Lord’s. This win not only sealed a 5-0 series sweep but also marked their record 13th win of the season. Despite the impressive results, the match revealed a familiar vulnerability against spin bowling, a potential concern as they head towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Head coach Jon Lewis expressed confidence in the team’s overall performance and their prospects for the upcoming World Cup. “We’ve got pretty much all bases covered at the moment,” he said. “We’ve played some fantastic cricket over this series, and we’re confident that we can win the World Cup.”
England’s innings were a rollercoaster, as they stumbled to 83 for six, all wickets falling to spin. Captain Heather Knight’s resilient 46-run innings played a crucial role in steering the team to a total of 155. New Zealand, struggling with their form, couldn’t match England’s score and were restricted to 135-8.
During New Zealand’s chase, an early controversy arose when Suzie Bates was adjudged not out by the third umpire after an appeal for a run out. However, Bates’ stay was short-lived as she fell to Freya Kemp a few overs later. New Zealand managed a steady partnership between Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday but failed to keep up with the required run rate. Halliday’s dismissal, edging a wide delivery, signaled the end of their hopes.
England’s issues against spin were highlighted by Fran Jonas’s stellar bowling performance. Jonas claimed four wickets for 22 runs, including the rare feat of taking a wicket with the first ball of three different overs. Her victims included Danni Wyatt, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Freya Kemp. Eden Carson also contributed with crucial wickets, further putting England under pressure.
Despite the setbacks, Charlie Dean and Heather Knight managed to add 46 runs in the last five overs, giving England a defendable total. The English bowlers then capitalized on New Zealand’s sluggish start, securing a comfortable victory.
As England heads into the World Cup preparations, this series win boosts their confidence, but the recurring troubles against spin will need addressing to ensure success on the spinning pitches of Bangladesh.
