The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 group stage concluded with a commanding performance from England Women, who thrashed New Zealand Women by eight wickets in Vizag. This encounter also carried emotional weight, as it marked the final One Day International (ODI) appearance of Sophie Devine, bringing the curtain down on her illustrious 19-year ODI career.
Batting first, New Zealand were bundled out for 168 in 38.2 overs, never quite recovering from England’s disciplined bowling display. Georgia Plimmer (43 off 57) and Amelia Kerr (35 off 43) steadied the innings with a solid 68-run stand. Their partnership gave New Zealand a promising platform at 89/2 before the collapse began. The duo of Linsey Smith (3/30) and Sciver-Brunt (2/31) ran through the middle and lower order, leaving New Zealand struggling for answers as the innings folded with over 11 overs unused.
In reply, England made the chase look effortless. Openers Tammy Beaumont (40 off 38) and Amy Jones (86* off 92) gave their side a fluent start. Jones, however, was in imperious touch. Mixing patience with precision, steering England home in just 29.2 overs. She found strong support from Heather Knight (33 off 40), as the pair’s 83-run stand sealed the result with commanding ease.
For England, the victory served as ideal preparation ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa, with their batting unit firing confidently and the bowlers delivering a disciplined performance that dismantled the White Ferns’ lineup.
Georgia Plimmer – 43 (57)
Georgia Plimmer stood out as New Zealand’s most composed batter in a difficult innings, scoring 43 off 57 balls with seven boundaries. Coming in early, she played with assurance and timing, keeping the scoreboard moving even as wickets fell around her. Her partnership of 68 runs with Amelia Kerr gave New Zealand brief hope before she was dismissed lbw by Charlie Dean. Plimmer’s innings was a lone highlight in an otherwise faltering batting effort that saw New Zealand bowled out for 168 in 38.2 overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt – 2/31 (7 overs)
England’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt once again led by example with the ball, delivering a sharp and disciplined spell. She took the wickets of Sophie Devine and Rosemary Mair and her figures of 2/31 from 7 overs showcased her ability to strike at crucial moments and maintain relentless pressure. Sciver-Brunt’s precision and variation in pace made it difficult for the New Zealand batters to settle, helping England restrict the opposition to a below-par total.
Linsey Smith – 3/30 (9.2 overs)
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of England’s bowlers, finishing with superb figures of 3/30 in 9.2 overs. Her control and consistency on a slow surface proved decisive as she dismissed Suzie Bates, Isabella Gaze, and Lea Tahuhu to clean up the tail. Smith’s spell choked New Zealand’s scoring rate and ensured that England never let the game slip. It was a performance of quiet effectiveness — the kind that wins matches and strengthens England’s bowling depth heading into the knockout stage.
Amy Jones – 86* (92)
Amy Jones produced a match-winning masterclass in composure and placement, remaining unbeaten on 86 off 92 balls, striking 11 fours and a six at a fluent 93.48 strike rate. Anchoring the chase from start to finish, Jones absorbed early pressure and accelerated beautifully after the powerplay, crafting partnerships with Tammy Beaumont (40) and Heather Knight (33). Her innings combined elegance with authority, guiding England home with more than 20 overs to spare. For her leadership with the bat and flawless execution in the chase, Jones was rightfully named the Player of the Match.
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