New Zealand v England: Sophie Devine hundred blasts hosts to consolation win

England collapsed from 20 without loss to be 95 for 6 and were indebted once again to Amy Jones' half century for taking them to a competitive total of 194, but Devine ensured they were made to pay

devine050402

Hamilton: England 194, New Zealand 195-3 - New Zealand win by seven wickets

England were handed a comprehensive defeat in the final match of their New Zealand tour at the hands of a superb Sophie Devine century, though still came away with an ODI series victory.

England collapsed from 20 without loss to be 95 for 6 and were indebted once again to Amy Jones' half century for taking them to a competitive total of 194.

But that was shown to be wildly insufficient against a White Ferns side with Devine back fit after a quad injury.

She was particularly severe on Lauren Filer, whose six wicketless overs cost 47 runs after being brought in for Lauren Bell, while Charlie Dean was twice belted for a pair of sixes as she too was taken down.

With 12 needed for victory with three balls left of Dean's seventh over, Devine whacked her over midwicket on two occasions to get her side over the line.

This was only a consolation victory for New Zealand, but it showed up the series-long batting issues in the tourists' camp.

knight050401

England were well beaten in Hamilton (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Devine, who only played a single match in the series after suffering the injury during the preceding T20Is, ended it as New Zealand's leading run-scorer and as the second-highest run-scorer in the entire series, only behind Jones.

Without Jones' fifty, England would have been steamrolled in Hamilton. She combined for the second time in the series with Dean – in a 73-run stand – to salvage an innings going awry, after a dismal middle-order collapse.

England had lost Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier early but recovered their poise to be 82 for 2. But when Nat Sciver-Brunt chipped up for 27, the pack of cards tumbled. Sophia Dunkley's run of poor form continued, bowled for single by Jess Kerr, while Danni Wyatt missed a sweep and Heather Knight was run out.

They reached almost 200 in the end, but that was nowhere near enough once Devine got going, even after Kate Cross and Sciver-Brunt had shared a wicket apiece in the subsequent powerplay. Amelia Kerr made 31 and Maddy Green ended unbeaten on 38, but Devine, dropped early at slip by Knight, was the star.

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member

Comments

THE CRICKETER NEWSLETTER Get all the latest cricket news to your inbox, twice a week SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

LATEST NEWS

SERIES/COMPETITIONS

LOADING

STATS

Units 7-8, 35-37 High St, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE128PY

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.