VIDEO: White Ferns level England v New Zealand T20 series
Friday 20th February 2015
England women lost by six wickets as New Zealand levelled their Twenty20 international series in Whangarei,writes Martin Davies.
Sophie Devine smashed 29 off 20 deliveries to help New Zealand women level the three-match Twenty20 international series against England with a six-wicket victory at the Cobham Oval.
The 25-year-old’s innings was the decisive one for the White Ferns, but the win had been set up by openers Rachel Priest and Suzie Bates.
They made the platform with a controlled 64-run partnership in less than 10 overs, despite all that the tourists could throw at them.
Kent's Laura Marsh (pictured above) was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 25 from four overs.
Lauren Winfield contributed 48 before Heather Knight’s 15-ball unbeaten 30 led England to 122 for five from 20 overs.
Charlotte Edwards' side had won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket which still looked to have plenty of runs in it but the skipper departed for an eight-ball duck as the tourists were reduced to 86 for four.
Kent team-mate Lydia Greenway scored an unbeaten 18 off 17 balls in a stand of 36 off three overs with Knight, who was dismissed with the last ball of the innings, posting a target of 122.
Thanks to Don Miles and the ECB for the photos.
VIDEO: Lydia Greenway discusses the defeat and tour so far
England take on Australiaat The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrencein the only Women's Kia Test Match as part of an extended Canterbury Week this summer.
Entry to the Women’s Ashes clash on August 11-14 and Kent v Australia men on June 25-28 is included in Kent All Rounder and Championship Plus Memberships and is an option for Six Pack package holders.
Members can also buy up to six guest tickets before the fixture goes on general sale in March 2015.