England is currency hosting New Zealand for a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series from 26th June to 17th July. In a thrilling curtain raiser ODI match between England and New Zealand, New Zealand’s innings started aggressively with Susie Bates and Georgia Plimmer taking charge. Bates began with consecutive boundaries off Lauren Bell, showcasing excellent timing and placement. However, England fought back as Bell claimed Bates’ wicket early on. New Zealand faced further setbacks with wickets falling at crucial moments, courtesy of tight bowling from England’s Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. Despite Brooke Halliday’s resilient half-century, New Zealand struggled to build partnerships, eventually folding for a challenging total. England’s response was swift and decisive, anchored by Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier’s fluent fifty and end contributions from Heather Knight after the dismissal of Maia Bouchier in the 18th over by Halliday, with just 20 runs remaining in chasing the target. Their disciplined batting ensured a comprehensive victory over New Zealand, marking an emphatic end to the match. Charlie Dean for her effective spell was awarded the player of the match.
Highlights from the Match
HIGHLIGHTS of 1st ODI:
Charlie Dean’s 4/38 helps England take a 1-0 lead against New Zealand. #CricketTwitter #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/kQkWgnUb5Q
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 27, 2024
Brooke Halliday (NZ)- Brooke Halliday came to bat at number six after Maddy Green’s dismissal, with New Zealand struggling at 75 for 5. She anchored the innings, scoring 51 runs off 60 balls, which included seven boundaries and one six. However, wickets continued to fall at the other end, making it difficult to build substantial partnerships. New Zealand’s innings concluded at 156 runs, with Halliday being dismissed in the 34th over by Sarah Glenn. In the second innings, Halliday took the only wicket for her side, dismissing Maia Bouchier in the 18th over, caught by Suzie Bates.
Charlie Dean (ENG)- Charlie Dean, the right-arm off-break bowler, had a stellar performance in her nine overs, claiming four wickets while conceding 38 runs with one maiden. In the 21st over, she trapped New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze lbw. She struck again in the 25th over, dismissing Hannah Rowe with another lbw dismissal. In the following over, she bowled Jess Kerr, who was caught by Amy Jones. Dean completed her impressive spell in the 29th over by bowling Molly Penfold, achieving her fifth four-wicket haul in 31 innings bowled. For her outstanding performance, she was awarded the Player of the Match accolade.
Tammy Beaumont (ENG)- The opener remained unbeaten, scoring 76 runs from 69 balls, which included 11 boundaries and a maximum, maintaining a strike rate of 110.14 throughout her innings.
Maia Bouchier (ENG)- Maia Bouchier built a crucial partnership of 137 runs with Tammy Beaumont before being dismissed by Brooke Halliday with just 20 runs needed for victory. She scored 67 runs off 50 balls, striking 12 boundaries and a maximum, maintaining a commendable strike rate of 134.00 throughout her innings.