The New Zealand Women tour of England 2026 is heading towards an exciting finish as both teams gear up for the third and final ODI at Cardiff. With the series already delivering competitive cricket and several standout individual performances, the final ODI at Sophia Gardens offers one last opportunity for both sides to gain momentum before their upcoming T20I series and the subsequent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
Charlie Dean, Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Emma McLeod, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp
Players to watch out:
Amy Jones
Amy Jones has been an important figure in England’s batting lineup, especially with her ability to accelerate during the middle overs. The wicketkeeper-batter brings valuable experience and composure to the side, while her attacking stroke play can quickly put pressure back on the opposition. Amy Jones has scored 2662 runs in 95 innings with an average of 32.46. Her best score in the WODIs is 129 and she has also scored two centuries and 16 half-centuries.Her consistency behind the stumps also adds immense balance to the England setup.
Freya Kemp
Freya Kemp continues to impress as one of England’s promising young all-rounders. Freya Kemp has claimed 6 wickets in 4 innings and scored 141 runs. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives England added flexibility in team combinations. Kemp’s left-arm pace can be particularly effective in swinging conditions at Cardiff, while her aggressive batting lower down the order makes her a dangerous finisher.
Amelia Kerr
Amelia Kerr remains one of New Zealand’s most dependable performers heading into the final ODI. Amelia Kerr has scored 2714 runs and claimed 128 wickets. Her best score in WODI is 232* and best bowling figures are 7/34. Her leg-spin bowling has consistently troubled opposition batters, while her calm and mature batting approach provides stability in pressure situations. Kerr’s all-round abilities make her a genuine match-winner for the White Ferns.
Maddy Green
Maddy Green plays a crucial role in strengthening New Zealand’s middle order with her composed batting style. Maddy Green has scored 2308 runs in 84 innings. Her average is 32.50 and best score in ODIs is 141*. She has the ability to rebuild innings after early wickets and can also shift gears when required. Green’s experience and temperament make her a key player for New Zealand in a must-win situation.
Pitch:
The surface at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, is generally known for offering assistance to both batters and seam bowlers. Early in the innings, pacers can expect movement under cloudy conditions, while the pitch tends to settle down as the game progresses. Spinners may also come into play during the middle overs, especially if the surface begins to slow down.
Weather:
The conditions are expected to remain mostly cloudy with temperatures hovering around 18°C. There is a slight possibility of passing showers during the evening, while moderate winds and humidity could assist swing bowlers throughout the contest.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer
Match Details:
Date – May 16, 2026
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv app and website.
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