The White Ferns are heading to Cardiff for a must-win third ODI against England after a dramatic start to their three-match series in the United Kingdom.
New Zealand lost the opening match by just one wicket in Durham, before the second game was washed out completely by rain in Northampton.
In the first ODI, the White Ferns posted 210 all out in difficult batting conditions. Maddy Green top-scored with 88 off 107 balls, hitting nine fours in a classy knock that fell just short of a century. Captain Melie Kerr added 55, and the pair put on 105 runs together for the third wicket. However, the last eight wickets tumbled for just 63 runs, leaving New Zealand with a below-par total.
England then struggled in their chase, losing wickets steadily. Only Maia Bouchier (59) played a significant innings before being dismissed by Kerr, who finished with 2-54. Rosemary Mair was the pick of the bowlers with 3-42.
With England nine wickets down and needing just a handful of runs, New Zealand had a huge chance. Bree Illing had England skipper Charlie Dean caught in the gully off a full toss, but the catch was dropped at an awkward height. Dean went on to finish 31 not out and hit the winning runs with 10 balls to spare.
Kerr said the team was disappointed but proud of how they bowled. “We fought hard with the ball to take it deep,” she said. “I thought our bowlers were outstanding.”
The second ODI in Northampton never got going, with rain causing a two-hour delay before the match was abandoned entirely.
The series is now England’s to lose, with the final ODI in Cardiff starting at 10pm NZT on Saturday.
