New Zealand is currently on a tour of England from July 6th to July 17th for a five-match T20I series. England secured a convincing 59-run victory over New Zealand in the 1st T20I held at Southampton.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first. England’s first innings was anchored by Danni Wyatt, who played a stellar knock of 76 runs off 51 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and a six before being caught by Maddy Green off Lea Tahuhu’s bowling. Maia Bouchier contributed a solid 32 runs off 26 deliveries, but was also dismissed by Tahuhu in the 8th over. Nat Sciver-Brunt accelerated the innings with a 47 off just 23 balls, including 9 fours, but was caught by Amelia Kerr off Eden Carson’s bowling. Freya Kemp remained unbeaten on 26 runs off 17 balls, playing a crucial role towards the end of the innings. England’s batting was characterized by aggressive stroke play and effective partnerships, setting a challenging target of 198 runs for New Zealand to chase. New Zealand’s innings started with Suzie Bates playing a pivotal role at the top, scoring 43 runs off 33 balls before being bowled by Sarah Glenn. Further, Georgia Plimmer was run out for 1 run due to a sharp fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt in the 2nd over. Amelia Kerr contributed 18 runs before falling to a catch bowled by Charlie Dean. Sophie Devine, the captain, faced a tough time getting out scoreless of Sarah Glenn’s bowling. Maddy Green was dismissed for a duck, also falling to Sarah Glenn in the 10th over. Brooke Halliday managed to score 17 runs before being bowled by Charlie Dean. Isabella Gaze was stumped by Amy Jones off Sophie Ecclestone’s bowling without scoring. Jess Kerr provided a late surge with 38 runs off 26 balls, before being caught by Nat Sciver-Brunt off Linsey Smith’s bowling. Lea Tahuhu contributed 17 runs off 15 balls but was eventually caught off Freya Kemp’s bowling.
Wonderful Wyatt! 🏏
Glorious Glenn! ⚪
A big win on the South Coast 💪@Vitality_UK | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/9KVhxT6q6e— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 7, 2024
Highlights from the Match
Danielle Wyatt (ENG) – Danni Wyatt provided a strong start to her team, opening the innings with a boundary. She went on to score 76 runs from 51 balls before being caught by Maddy Green off Lea Tahuhu’s bowling in the 18th over and the total score stood at 169 runs. Her innings set a solid foundation for England Women’s formidable total of 198 runs. For this remarkable performance she was awarded the player of the match award.
Lea Tahuhu (NZ) – Lea Tahuhu did not participate in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand but made a strong comeback in the T20I series by claiming 2 wickets in the 1st match against England Women. Her first wicket came in the 8th over when she dismissed Maia Bouchier. This wicket halted England’s opening partnership at 61 runs. Tahuhu struck again later in the innings in the 18th over, dismissing the dangerous Danni Wyatt for 76 runs.
Sarah Glenn (ENG) – Sarah Glenn delivered a sensational bowling finishing with 3 wickets. Her contributions were pivotal in England Women’s dominant defense of their total. Glenn’s first breakthrough came in the 10th over when she dismissed Suzie Bates. She struck again immediately in the next ball, bowling Maddy Green for a golden duck with a delivery that the hit middle stump. Sophie Devine became her third victim in the same over, leaving New Zealand Women at the score 64/5.
