England recorded a eight-wicket win to beat New Zealand in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The result saw England leap South Africa in the second position after their fifth win of the campaign which took their tally to 11 points. Meanwhile, New Zealand slipped to sixth after their fourth defeat.
Chasing 169, England made it look effortless. Amy Jones (86*) anchored the innings with a composed knock well supported by Tammy Beaumont (40) and Heather Knight (33). For New Zealand, Leah Tahuhu and Sophie Devine - playing her final ODI - picked up a wicket each.
England openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont provided the team with a solid start in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against New Zealand with 169 to chase.
Jones and Beaumont put on a 75-run partnership for the opening stand to keep the pressure on New Zealand's bowlers before Leah Tahuhu struck with the wicket of Beaumont. Beaumont was struck on the pads while taking a big stride to defend and the umpire wasted no time in giving her out.
After New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, England produced a strong fightback to bundle New Zealand out for 168 in under 40 overs during their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup clash. Georgia Plimmer (43) was the top scorer while Melie Kerr (35) and Sophie Devine (23) also made vital contributions but once the trio departed, the White Ferns struggled to get going as they lost regular wickets.
Linsey Smith (3/30) ended as the top performer with the ball. She was well supported by Alice Capsey (2/31), Charlie Dean (1/21) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/4), who together choked the scoring rate and ran through the middle order. In total, England’s spinners took seven of the nine wickets while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/34) also contributed.
For much of the first half, it looked like New Zealand were in control after recovering from the early loss of Suzie Bates. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr steadied the innings with a solid 68-run stand for the second wicket, taking their side to 89/1 and laying the platform for a competitive total.
However, the game completely changed once that partnership was broken. From 89/1, New Zealand collapsed dramatically, losing nine wickets for just 79 runs and failing to even bat out their 50 overs. They ended up with their lowest total of this World Cup.
England made some early breakthroughs in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand in Vizag as star spinner Sophie Ecclestone suffered an injury scare.
Ecclestone was forced from the field after the second over with a shoulder concern following a dive in the field. She was looked at by medical staff, but returned to the field after the opening drinks break.
She returned to the bowling crease and claimed the big wicket of Brooke Halliday. However she had to leave the field post that for further treatment. The left arm spinner experienced more discomfort and as a precaution took no further part in England's bowling innings.
Alice Capsey further piled on the pressure with a brilliant catch and bowled to dismiss Maddy Green, while New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine fell to her England counterpart.
England’s spinners finally found their rhythm after the 25-over mark, helping the team restrict New Zealand to under 200 despite a sloppy start.
The White Ferns are aiming to send out Sophie Devine on a high note in what will be her final ODI for her country.
New Zealand are keen to finish their frustrating tournament in winning fashion so they overtake Sri Lanka and claim fifth place on the standings.
ENGLAND: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
NEW ZEALAND: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson
