England demolish NZ to clinch T20I series

NZ Women tour of England, 2026

England demolished New Zealand in the final T20I in Hove on Monday to clinch the series in style ahead of a home World Cup. With the series evenly poised at 1-1 heading into this final game, the hosts bowled out New Zealand for just 80 before chasing it down comfortably.

Even though Isabella Gaze hit a couple of boundaries and six, the world champions got off to a poor start. Suzie Bates stuttered to a 11-ball 3 before Gaze got castled by Charlie Dean. Things went from bad to worse as the middle order trio of Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday combined to score just 7 runs. Sophie Ecclestone then breached Izzy Sharp's defence to leave New Zealand reeling at 33/6.

The visitors relied on a fighting 20 from Jess Kerr to drag them past 50 before finally succumbing in the final over. Dean and Danielle Gibson picked three wickets apiece whereas Linsey Smith finished with two. Losing Alice Capsey in the third over, England didn't necessarily canter to victory. Maia Bouchier remained unbeaten on 19 off 29 in the chase. Sophia Dunkley and Heather Knight also contributed before the home side got past the finish line with 37 balls to spare.

Brief scores: New Zealand 80 in 19.1 overs (Jess Kerr; Charlotte Dean 3-13, Danielle Gibson 3-14) lost to England 81/3 in 13.5 overs (Sophia Dunkley 22; Nensi Patel 1-7) by 7 wickets