England ended their group stage with a big eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday. The spinners led the way as England climbed to second place with 11 points, behind Australia’s 13.
New Zealand’s campaign ended badly. In Sophie Devine’s last ODI, her team fell for only 168 in 38.2 overs. It was the lowest total of the tournament.
England’s spinners controlled the game. Linsey Smith took 3 for 30. Alice Capsey took 2 for 34. Nat Sciver-Brunt grabbed 2 for 31. Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone took one each. Ecclestone bowled only four balls before injuring her shoulder.
New Zealand struggled from the start. Georgia Plimmer made 43, and Amelia Kerr scored 35. They added 68 for the second wicket. But once both got out, the innings collapsed. Devine made 23 in her farewell, while Suzie Bates fell early again.
England chased the target easily in 29.2 overs. Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones added 75 runs for the first wicket. Beaumont hit 40 from 38 balls before falling leg-before to Lea Tahuhu.
Jones played confidently. She scored an unbeaten 86 from 92 balls with 11 fours and a six. Heather Knight made 33 as they shared an 83-run stand for the second wicket. England won with 124 balls left.
Devine took Knight’s wicket and finished with 1 for 20. The crowd and her teammates applauded as she walked off for the last time. It was a warm farewell for one of the game’s greats.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 168 all out in 38.2 overs (Georgia Plimmer 43, Amelia Kerr 35; Linsey Smith 3/30)
England 169/2 in 29.2 overs (Amy Jones 86*, Tammy Beaumont 40)
