England signed off their group-stage campaign with a commanding 9 wicket win over New Zealand at The Oval, extending their unbeaten run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Already through to the semi-finals, England comfortably chased down 164 with 16 balls to spare to finish on top of Group 2.
The result also confirmed West Indies’ place in the last four, while defending champions New Zealand crashed out of the tournament. It also marked the end of an era for the White Ferns, with Lea Tahuhu, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine playing their final T20 internationals.
New Zealand posted 163/6 after opting to bat first. Captain Melie Kerr top-scored with 42(34), sharing a steady opening stand with Isabella Gaze, who made 28(27). After both openers departed in the space of four balls, Sophie Devine briefly swung the momentum back with a blistering 30(14) that included three sixes, but her dismissal in the 16th over prevented New Zealand from pushing beyond 170.
Late contributions from Brooke Halliday (20), Suzie Bates (19) and Maddy Green (17*) helped the defending champions post what appeared to be a competitive total. England’s bowling effort was shared, with Dani Gibson (2/30) leading the way, while Lauren Bell (1/24) and Freya Kemp (1/26) chipped in.
England’s reply was relentless. Amy Jones fell early for 17(13), but Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley made light work of the chase. Wyatt-Hodge produced another outstanding innings, finishing unbeaten on 89*(53) with 15 fours and a six, while Dunkley compiled a composed 49*(38).
The pair added a strong 128-run partnership for the second wicket, taking England to 164/1 in 17.2 overs without ever allowing New Zealand back into the contest. Nensi Patel (1/22) claimed the only wicket, while the rest of New Zealand’s attack struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting.
England finished the group stage unbeaten and head into the semi-finals with plenty of momentum after another convincing display. For New Zealand, the defeat ended their title defence, confirmed West Indies’ place in the semi-finals, and brought the T20I careers of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu to a close.
