New Zealand Women bounced back strongly in the second T20I of the series, defeating England Women by 14 runs at the St Lawrence Ground to level the three-match series 1-1. After losing the opening game by seven wickets, the visitors produced a much-improved all-round display, led by Sophie Devine’s brilliant half-century and a clinical bowling effort in the second innings.

Asked to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand Women posted a competitive total of 170/5 in their 20 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start as Georgia Plimmer departed for a duck in the opening over, while Amelia Kerr also fell cheaply. England looked in control early on, but Devine completely shifted the momentum with a commanding innings under pressure.

Sophie Devine and Maddy Green rescue New Zealand innings

Devine played one of her finest T20I knocks, smashing 87 runs off 57 deliveries, including five boundaries and six massive sixes. She counterattacked brilliantly and ensured New Zealand recovered from their early setbacks. Her aggressive intent kept the scoreboard moving throughout the innings.

Maddy Green provided excellent support at the other end with a composed 56 off 48 balls. The pair stitched together a crucial partnership that frustrated England’s bowlers and laid the foundation for a strong finish. Brooke Halliday struggled to accelerate and managed only three runs, but the damage had already been done by the experienced duo.

For England Women, Linsey Smith emerged as the standout bowler. The left-arm spinner picked up three wickets for 25 runs in her four-over spell and was instrumental in removing key batters. Lauren Bell also impressed with figures of 1/22 from her four overs, while the rest of the attack found it difficult to contain New Zealand’s middle order.

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England’s chase falls short despite promising starts

Chasing 171 for victory, England Women began positively with Sophia Dunkley attacking from the outset. Dunkley scored 26 off just 18 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six, while Alice Capsey contributed 22 from 19 deliveries.

Maia Bouchier anchored the innings with a steady 38 off 33 balls, and Heather Knight added 25 off 23 deliveries to keep England in the contest. However, New Zealand managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals, preventing the hosts from building a match-winning partnership.

Freya Kemp and Danielle Gibson tried to push the scoring rate late in the innings, but the required run rate kept climbing. Issy Wong entertained briefly with an unbeaten eight off just three balls, including a six, though England eventually finished on 156/6 in their 20 overs.

Nensi Patel played a crucial role with the ball for New Zealand, claiming two wickets for 25 runs in an economical spell. Bree Illing, Lea Tahuhu and Kerr chipped in with one wicket each, while the bowling unit collectively maintained composure in the death overs. With this victory, New Zealand Women have levelled the series 1-1 after England Women won the opening T20I by seven wickets. The series decider will now take place on Monday, May 25, at the County Ground in Hove, setting up an exciting finale between the two sides.

Also READ: Alice Capsey shines as England outclass New Zealand in the first Women’s T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.