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England will build winning momentum into the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup, wrapping up the group stage with an emphatic eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Visakhapatnam.
In a bizarre first innings, England were uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball but a New Zealand team lacking in confidence failed to punish them and were bowled out for 168 in 38.2 overs.
Lynsey Smith, who particularly struggled with a loss of control in the power play, ended up with figures of 3-30 but England are awaiting the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone, who bowled just four balls in the innings after injuring her shoulder following an error in the first innings.
England were then merciless in the chase, reaching their target in 29.2 overs, with opener Amy Jones finishing unbeaten on 86.
Jones added 75 for the first wicket with Tammy Beaumont, who made 40, and 83 with Heather Knight who fell for 33 with England on the brink of victory, but it was a welcome return to winning form after their defeat to Australia.
New Zealand had already been eliminated, but it marked a momentous occasion as veteran player Sophie Devine played her 159th and final one-day international.
After the soft dismissal of Susie Bates for one of the few full overs from Smith, Millie Kerr and Georgia Plimmer built back with a steady stand of 68 before the match moved in the space of two balls, with the former falling to Alice Capsie for 35 and Plimmer being pinned lbw by Charlie Dean for 43.
Devine made 23 runs in her final over but England dominated the middle to take the last five wickets for just 13 runs, with two each for Capece and Nat Seaver-Brunt.
England travel to Guwahati for their semi-final against South Africa, which takes place on Wednesday, followed by India against Australia the next day.
The win ensures England finish second in the group, and if Wednesday’s semi-finals and reserve day are cancelled, they will qualify by virtue of higher group position.
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