Third T20: New Zealand 155-3 bt England 152-8 by three runs
Bouchier blasts 71 but White Ferns win to stay alive in series
In their third Twenty20 international at Saxton Oval, Suzie Bates showed composure in the last over to limit the visitors’ run chase, as New Zealand pulled off an exciting three-run triumph over England.
With four wickets remaining and England needing eight runs to win the five-match Twenty20 International Series, Bates was sent into the attack for the first time during the contest. In the last over, the veteran took two wickets and restricted England to four runs, helping New Zealand secure a victory and maintain their chances of winning the women’s international series.
Maia Bouchier hit a scorching 71 runs, but it was insufficient to get England past the halfway point as they pursued a goal of 155. Following the outing of English opener Sophia Dunkley for a duck, the 25-year-old entered the fray early.
Bouchier did not waste any time in trying to lead England to victory for the third time in the series. With 11 fours and a six off just 47 balls, he had the visitors at 127 for two. However, there was a significant shift in momentum when Bouchier was removed by player of the match Sophie Devine in the fifteenth over.
England just needed to score 29 runs in the last five overs, but New Zealand’s bowlers caused mayhem, eventually stopping the visitors three runs short. Danielle Gibson took two wickets in her four overs, while Devine finished with figures of two for 23 after scoring 60 earlier at bat.
With two games still to play in Wellington on Wednesday and Friday, England leads the series 2-1.