England is currently hosting New Zealand from June 26 to July 17 for a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series. After securing a nine-wicket victory in the first ODI, England clinched the series with an eight-wicket win in the second ODI at Worcester.
Upon winning the toss, England’s skipper Heather Knight chose to field. New Zealand’s innings began with Susie Bates hitting a boundary, but she was soon dismissed in the 6th over after edging the ball to Amy Jones. Sophie Ecclestone struck next, and Jones stumped White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine. Ecclestone’s consistent bowling continued as she bowled out Halliday and Down in quick succession. Amelia Kerr, who looked promising with 43 runs, was caught and bowled by Charlie Dean. England maintained their dominance with Ecclestone claiming a five-wicket haul. Jess Kerr added a few runs (14) but was later dismissed by Alice Capsey, ending New Zealand’s innings at 141. England’s response was swift and conclusive. Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier started aggressively. In the 14th over, Tammy was run out at the non-striker’s end due to excellent coordination between Suzie Bates stopping the ball at covers and a direct throw from Amelia Kerr. Brooke Halliday dismissed the English skipper, with 27 runs left for England to win, Maia Bouchier continued to smash boundaries with precision and control, scoring the final two runs for the victory, which also simultaneously completed her maiden ODI century with 153 balls remaining. For her impressive batting display, Maia Bouchier was awarded the Player of the match.
Highlights from the Match
Watch Highlights: 2nd ODI – 🏴 vs 🇳🇿
• Sophie Ecclestone’s 5/22
• Maia Bouchier’s 100* #CricketTwitter #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/31XRuNTory— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 3, 2024
Amelia Kerr (NZ)- Amelia came one down in the fifth over after the wicket of Georgia Plimmer. She held one end, adding 43 runs in 86 balls, including two boundaries, before being dismissed by Charlie Dean with a caught and bowled in the 38th over, leaving New Zealand at 124/7. In the second innings, she excelled in fielding, coordinating with Suzie Bates to execute a direct throw that dismissed Tammy Beaumont in the 14th over.
Sophie Ecclestone (ENG)- The left-arm spinner had an exceptional outing, claiming her second five-wicket haul in ODIs. During her 9-over spell, she bowled three maidens and conceded 31 runs. She dismissed the visiting skipper, Sophie Devine, for 28 runs in the 18th over. A few overs later, she also took the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 6 runs in the 35th over, followed by Lauren Down in the 37th over, wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze, and Molly Penfold in the same 39th over, all for ducks, completing her five-wicket haul.
Maia Bouchier (ENG)- Chasing a target of 142, Maia played an impressive knock, smashing her maiden ODI century in 88 balls, including 17 boundaries, and maintaining a strike rate of 113.63. She also registered her high score in white-ball format. For her impressive batting display, Maia Bouchier received the accolade of the Player of the match.