England Women secured the T20I series with a convincing victory in the decider against New Zealand at County Ground, Hove on May 25, 2026.
The series had been level after New Zealand’s 14-run win in the second T20I at Canterbury, setting up a decisive final match. England made one change, bringing back Sophie Ecclestone in place of Lauren Bell, while New Zealand included Suzie Bates and Rosemary Mair in their XI.
England Bowlers Dominate
After being put in to bat, New Zealand struggled at the top once again. Suzie Bates, returning to the side, managed just 3 before being dismissed by Linsey Smith in the third over.
Amelia Kerr and Issy Gaze attempted to rebuild with a 22-run stand, but Gaze’s dismissal for 17 triggered a collapse. New Zealand lost four wickets for just four runs, slipping into a difficult position.
Jess Kerr (20) and Maddy Green (14) added 25 runs for the seventh wicket to push the total past 50, but the innings ended at 80 with five balls remaining.
England’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Charlie Dean and Danielle Gibson picking up three each, while Linsey Smith returned 2 for 15 and Sophie Ecclestone claimed one wicket.
Chasing the Target With Ease
New Zealand struck early in the chase, with Nensi Patel removing Alice Capsey in the third over. However, Sophie Dunkley (22) and Maia Bouchier steadied the innings with a 25-run partnership.
After Dunkley’s dismissal, Heather Knight (18) and Bouchier added another key stand of 35 runs, taking England close to the target.
Freya Kemp and Bouchier then completed the chase, guiding England home with seven wickets in hand and 37 balls remaining.
Gibson Named Player of the Match
Danielle Gibson was named Player of the Match for her three-wicket spell, which played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to a below-par total.
With a dominant performance in the decider, England sealed the T20I series, completing a strong finish to the white-ball leg against New Zealand.
