Auckland: Defending champions England kept semi-final hopes alive with a one-wicket victory over hosts New Zealand (ENG W vs NZ W) in a thrilling league stage match of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Sunday. Veteran middle-order batsman Maddy Green was the top scorer for New Zealand with an unbeaten 52 while captain Sophie Devine contributed 41 runs. But England bundled out the hosts for 203 at Eden Park.
England pacer Kate Cross (3/35) and star spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3/41) took six wickets while spinner Charlie Dean (2/36) took two wickets. All-rounder Natalie Sciver (61 runs) again took the innings with a restrained half-century but the defending champions reached 196 for nine within five overs from a good position of 176 for five. Due to this the team was almost on the verge of defeat from the position of victory. But Anya Shrubsole (07) and Charlie Dean (nil) persevered and took England to the target as the team registered their second win of the tournament.
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With this win, England’s team remains in the race for the semi-finals. It has removed New Zealand from fifth place. India, England and New Zealand each have four points. India and England have two matches left while New Zealand have only one match left. England did not allow New Zealand to put up a big total with their spinners’ scintillating performance and then their top order started aggressively chasing a target of 204 runs.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES pic.twitter.com/arwkZbcYP6
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 20, 2022
Opener Danny Watt (12) fell victim to Jess Kerr while Tammy Beaumont (25) was clean bowled by Lee Tahuhu (1 for 18). Captain Heather Knight made 42 off 53 balls but was dismissed leg before by Frankie McKay in the 23rd over. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones (01) also went on. Sciver then put on a crucial 70-run partnership with Sophie Dunkley (33) to ensure England’s victory. But New Zealand’s bowlers came back by taking wickets continuously and increased the pressure on England.
Earlier, after being invited to bat, New Zealand were heading for a one-time gigantic score with Devin scoring runs at will and Amelia Kerr (24) standing by. However, Devin had to retire hurt in the 15th over due to a back problem and Amelia Kerr became the first victim of Charlotte Dean (2 for 36) for 24. Then England made a good comeback in the middle overs.
Experienced M Satterthwaite (24) and Green displayed belligerent spirit but England did well in the field to run out two players. However, England’s fielding was poor in the previous matches. Satterthwaite was dismissed leg before by Dean, and then Cross and Ecclestone finished New Zealand’s innings early with the tail batsmen out. (agency)