England Women secured a series victory in the fourth T20 international against New Zealand thanks to a display of powerful hitting from Maia Bouchier who guided the team to a 47-run win with one match left to play.
Bouchier struck 91 off just 56 balls, in her second successive half-century for England, as the visitors set a tantilising score of 177-3 in Wellington.
In reply, the hosts stuttered their way to 130-7 from their 20 overs with Charlie Dean claiming 4-36 in a controlled and dominant performance from Heather Knight’s team.
The victory leaves England leading the five-match series 3-1 with the final T20 taking place on Friday.
Batting first, England lost Danni Wyatt – who returned to the side after playing in the Women’s IPL – early but Alice Capsey and Bouchier added 75 in 10 overs.
When Capsey fell in the 15th over, Nat Sciver-Brunt (29 not out) joined Bouchier, who was hampered by a quad injury, at the crease and began to drive England to a daunting total.
Heather Knight (21 not out) continued Sciver-Brunt’s onslaught with the duo smashing 35 off the final 14 balls to set the hosts a huge target as the White Ferns were left to rue a sloppy fielding performance which saw them drop Bouchier twice.
New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, was unable to bat in the second innings after sustaining a quad injury of her own in the field, making an already difficult task that much harder.
Brooke Holliday was the pick of the batters, top scoring with 25, but England asserted control on the game from the get-go and never let up.
Dean’s accuracy and variations in pace helped her collect four wickets and were more impressive when added to the fact that leg-spinner Sarah Glenn missed the match meaning she had to perform. Sophie Ecclestone, England’s primary threat, held up an end in partnership with Dean and claimed 1-19, while seamer Lauren Bell led the attack with 1-24 from her four overs.
Bouchier, who was awarded the player of the match, told TNT Sports: “I really enjoyed myself out there. Getting the chance at the top of the order was very special for me – it’s something I love doing.
“I liked having the opportunity to go out and play with the intent and positivity that we are always looking for.”
Meanwhile, England captain Knight added: “Maia was outstanding. She kept her game very simple but it was great to see and it was pleasing to finish with some momentum as well.
“It’s very windy here so we had to navigate those conditions and rethink a couple of tactics, but our bowlers adapted to it really well.”
The win gives England an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, which concludes in Wellington on Friday.
(Additional reporting by PA)
