Alice Capsey steers England Women to seal T20I series against New Zealand

CANTERBURY: Alice Capsey struck an unbeaten 67 to help the England women’s cricket team clinch a close win over New Zealand in the third T20I to seal the series at The Spitfire Ground here on Thursday.

England Women captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat first.

New Zealand made a strong start before Sophie Ecclestone removed Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr in her first over, reducing the White Ferns to 62-3.

Skipper Sophie Devine top-scored with an unbeaten 58 runs from 42 balls with the help of seven boundaries and two sixes as New Zealand managed 141-8 in their 20 overs.

For England, Sophie Ecclestone took 4-25 while Lauren Filer (2-17) and Sarah Glenn (1-14) were also impressive.

In response, England lost Maia Bouchier on the first ball of the innings before Capsey and Sophia Dunkley added a 66-run stand for the second wicket.

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However, Fran Jonas forced New Zealand’s comeback as she removed Dunkley (35) and Sciver-Brunt (0) in successive balls to leave reeling at England 66-3.

Capsey remained unbeaten with 67 off 60, while Freya Kemp hit 16 off eight balls to seal the six-victory for England in the last over.

The two teams will next meet at the Kia Oval on Saturday for the fourth match of the series.

England Women vs New Zealand Women T20I Series Schedule

6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs

9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove – England won by 23 runs (DLS method)

11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence – England won by six wickets

13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London

17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London

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