![Sophie Devine played an absolute captain's knock ensuring a famous New Zealand win [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sophie.webp "Sophie Devine played an absolute captain's knock ensuring a famous White Ferns win [Image: Getty]")
New Zealand secured a resounding seven-wicket victory over England, chasing down a target of 195 with ease at Hamilton in the 3rd ODI. The match, part of the ICC Women’s Championship and England’s tour of New Zealand, witnessed a remarkable display of skill and determination from both sides to ensure the match was not a dead rubber.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England faced an early setback with opener Tammy Beaumont departing early, dismissed LBW by Rowe for just 3 runs. Maia Bouchier showed promise with a brisk 19 off 17 balls, but England kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Heather Knight, the skipper, steadied the innings with a patient 31 off 50 deliveries, but her run-out triggered a collapse. Despite contributions from Nat Sciver-Brunt (27) and Amy Jones (50), England struggled to build substantial partnerships. Jones’s half-century was a standout performance, guiding her team to a total of 194 runs in 46.3 overs.
We've set White Ferns 195 to win! 🏏
Time to finish the series strong 💪
Match centre ➡️ https://t.co/DuhzbpKqO2 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/WprtqM1uf9
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 7, 2024
New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by Jess Kerr and Hannah Rowe, who claimed three wickets each with Amelia Kerr scalping two wickets, restricting the run flow significantly for England.
In response, New Zealand’s top order faced some early hiccups, losing Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer cheaply. However, a steady partnership between Amelia Kerr (31) and captain Sophie Devine turned the tide in favour of the hosts.
First boundary of the day for Melie Kerr! Follow the chase LIVE and free in NZ on @TVNZ+ & DUKE 📺 and @SENZ_Radio 📻 Live scoring | https://t.co/XJkcsxeanN #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/8nwXelo3T8
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) April 7, 2024
Devine played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten century, scoring 100 runs off 93 deliveries with 11 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Her innings was characterized by a perfect blend of aggression and calculated stroke play. Despite the fall of wickets at the other end, Devine remained unfazed, rotating the strike intelligently and punishing loose deliveries with authoritative strokes. Her impeccable timing and placement allowed her to find the gaps effortlessly, accumulating runs steadily.
As the innings progressed, Devine grew in confidence, unleashing an array of shots to keep the scoreboard ticking. She exhibited her power-hitting prowess by dispatching the ball to the boundaries with ease, notching up boundaries and clearing the ropes with remarkable consistency.
Sophie Devine (100*) brings up her 8th ODI hundred with a six and secures a 7-wicket win over @englandcricket. #NZvENG #CricketNation #Cricket pic.twitter.com/6SFSueJ36P
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) April 7, 2024
Supported by Maddy Green’s composed 38 not out, Devine guided New Zealand to victory with 66 balls to spare. Kate Cross, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Sophie Ecclestone claimed a wicket each for England, but they struggled to contain the aggressive batting display by New Zealand.
Ultimately, it was White Ferns’ day as they clinched victory convincingly, showcasing their prowess in both bowling and batting departments. Despite the loss, England had reasons to celebrate as they had already secured the series with victories in the previous matches, winning the three-match series 2-1.
Amy Jones was named the Player of the Series for her consistent performances with the bat, while Sophie Devine’s match-winning century earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
With this win, New Zealand Women signified their strength and resilience, setting the stage for more exciting encounters in the future. As both teams look ahead to their next challenges, they will undoubtedly draw inspiration from this fiercely contested battle in Hamilton.
ODI Series winners 🏆#EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/t7NZ0XR7Bo
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 7, 2024
New Zealand vs England 3rd ODI: Brief Score
England- 194 all out in 46.3 overs (Amy Jones 50; Jess Kerr 3-39, Hannah Rowe 3-42) lost to New Zealand- 195/3 in 39 overs (Sophie Devine 100*, Maddy Green 38*) by seven wickets.
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