White Fern's nine run win over England seals series

A strong all round performance by the White Ferns set up the nine run win over England in the Twenty20 International at the County Ground in Hove as they wrapped up the series 2-1.

Riding on a 50 run opening stand by Suzie Bates (26) and Aimee Watkins (22) the White Ferns put on a useful 124 for eight after winning the toss and electing to bat and then kept England to 115 for eight.

The solid platform set by the openers allowed big hitting all-rounders, Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne, to accelerate with the pair striking 23 off 23 and 22 off 15 respectively.

Spinner Danielle Hazell was the pick of the England attack taking three for 16 while pace bowler Katherine Brunt snared one wicket and went for just 11 in her four overs.

The England reply never really got going with opener Charlotte Edward’s 19 their best.

It was the New Zealand quicks who did the damage up front with Browne ripping out the in-form Sarah Taylor before Devine ran through the rest of the top order to have the home team 48 for four.

A string of late wickets by Lucy Doolan helped the White Ferns to victory after Danielle Wyatt (16 off 17) and Brunt (15 off 8) staged a late fight back.

Devine and Doolan both finished with three for 26 while Browne took one for 16.

White Ferns captain Watkins preferred not to single out individuals, stating that it was an impressive team effort that secured the win.

“We wanted it more and we were desperate to win. Our bowling and fielding was outstanding,” said Watkins. “It was very important to prove to ourselves that we can win matches under pressure.”

The tour now move to the 50-over format with the White Ferns taking on Ireland and England Academy before taking on the current world champion England team in a five match series.

“We will take a great deal of confidence into the ODI series. We still have work to do in this form of the game but what better test than against the world champions,” Watkins added.

Scorecard: http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/scorecard/white-ferns-v-england-2jul10.aspx