England Women wrapped up the three-match T20I series against New Zealand Women with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the third and final match at the County Ground in Hove. After restricting the visitors to just 80 runs, the hosts comfortably chased down the target in 13.5 overs to clinch the series 2-1.
The win capped off an impressive all-round performance from England, who bounced back strongly after their defeat in the second T20I. Danielle Gibson delivered a match-winning spell with the ball and was deservedly named Player of the Match, while Linsey Smith earned the Player of the Series award for her consistent performances throughout the series.
Danielle Gibson wreaks havoc with bowling brilliance
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand Women endured a difficult outing with the bat as England’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed them to settle. Wickets fell at regular intervals and the visitors were eventually bowled out for 80 in 19.1 overs.
Opener Isabella Gaze was one of the few bright spots for New Zealand, scoring 17 runs from 13 balls with two boundaries and a six. Jess Kerr also showed some resistance lower down the order with a fighting 20 off 27 deliveries, including two fours. However, no other batter managed to make a meaningful contribution.
Experienced players Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine all struggled to get going, adding further pressure on the middle order. Devine’s dismissal for a duck proved to be a major setback for the tourists.
England’s bowling unit was clinical from start to finish. Gibson produced a superb spell of 3 for 14 in her four overs, consistently troubling the New Zealand batters with her accuracy and movement. Charlotte Dean was equally effective, claiming 3 for 13 in 3.1 overs to break the backbone of the innings. Smith continued her excellent form in the series with figures of 2 for 15, while Sophie Ecclestone maintained tight control and picked up a wicket by conceding just 11 runs from her four-over spell.
Sophia Dunkley gives England a solid start in chase
Chasing a modest target of 81, England Women approached the innings with composure despite losing a couple of wickets during the chase. Sophia Dunkley provided early momentum with a confident 22 off 21 balls, striking four boundaries. Alice Capsey departed cheaply for 3, but Maia Bouchier and Heather Knight ensured there were no further complications. Bouchier played a patient knock of 19 from 29 deliveries, while Knight added an unbeaten 18 off 22 balls with two boundaries.
Freya Kemp then finished the chase in aggressive fashion, scoring 7 off just 5 deliveries as England reached 81 for 3 in 13.5 overs. For New Zealand, Bree Illing, Nensi Patel and Amelia Kerr picked up one wicket each, but the low total left their bowlers with very little margin for error.
The series had begun with England securing a seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I before New Zealand bounced back with a 14-run win in the second game to level the contest. However, England delivered their most complete performance in the decider to seal the series 2-1.
England won the 3-match T20I series 2-1 🏆#ENGvsNZ #EnglandCricketTeam #womenscricket pic.twitter.com/ABOZVUiAks
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) May 26, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
