Women's World Cup: England thrash New Zealand in final group match

VISAKHAPATNAM: Linsey Smith’s three-wicket haul, backed by a strong batting display, led England to a comfortable eight-wicket win over New Zealand here on Sunday in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Set a mere 169-run target, England hit the winning runs on the loss of two wickets with ease in 29.2 overs.

Amy Jones remained unbeaten with 86 from 92 balls, a knock peppered with 11 fours and a six, whereas Tammy Beaumont struck seven fours in her 38-ball 40.

For New Zealand, there was nothing much in the bowling charts like batting as Lea Tahuhu and Sophie Devine managed to scalp one wicket each.

Earlier, New Zealand could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as their innings folded on 168 all out in 38.2 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Three Lions removed opener Suzie Bates in the fifth over, who departed after scoring just 10 from 16 balls.

Following the early wicket, Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer added 68 runs for the second before the former’s wicket sparked a collapse that the White Ferns could not recover from.

The pair was removed on successive deliveries, reducing New Zealand to 89-3 in 19.1 overs. Kerr made 35 from 43 balls with the aid of five fours, and Plimmer scored 43 from 57 deliveries laced with seven fours.

Besides the pair, there were no significant contributions from the middle-order batters.

For England, Linsey Smith remained the star bowler with three wickets to her name. Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt supported her well with two scalps apiece.

Playing XIs