ENG-W vs NZ-W 3rd T20I: England trounce New Zealand to clinch series decider in Hove

Linsey Smith celebrates a wicket with her England teammates (Source: Getty Images)

ENG-W vs NZ-W 3rd T20I: England trounce New Zealand to clinch series decider in Hove

Originally posted on Mr Cricket UAE | Last updated May 25, 2026 12:50 PM ET

England steamrolled New Zealand by seven wickets in the T20I series decider on Monday (May 25) to clinch the bilateral contest 2-1 at the County Ground in Hove. It turned out to be a horrid day for the tourists as they were bowled out for just 80 runs in 19.1 overs.

Skipper Amelia Kerr's decision to bat first backfired as New Zealand simply didn't have any answers to England's disciplined bowling attack. Wicketkeeper batter Isabella Gaze (17 off 13), Maddy Green (14 off 18) and Jess Kerr (20 off 27) were the only three players who reached double digits for the visitors.

Player of the Match (POTM) from the previous game, Sophie Devine, bagged a five-ball duck, whereas Izzy Sharp also fell for a three-ball duck. Right-arm seamer Dani Gibson was the star of the show for the hosts as she claimed a three-wicket haul.

Every wicket from that amazing bowling performance pic.twitter.com/zSz57mNbgn
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 25, 2026

She returned figures of 3/14 in four overs and accounted for Amelia, Devine and Green. She was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM). England captain Charlie Dean also claimed a three-for and registered figures of 3/13 in 3.1 overs.

Linsey Smith was amongst the wickets again. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler bagged 2/15 at an economy rate of 3.75. She was awarded the Player of the Series for claiming six wickets.

In reply, England lost both their openers, Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey, inside the powerplay. But it wasn't enough for the White Ferns to put enough pressure on the hosts. A 35-run stand between Maia Bouchier (19* off 29) and Heather Knight (18 off 22) effectively sealed the game.

More to follow..................

This article first appeared on Mr Cricket UAE and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: