England make breakthrough with three wickets in four balls
T20 World Cup, Group 2, The Oval
New Zealand 163-6 (20 overs): M Kerr 42 (34); Gibson 2-30
England 164-1 (17.2 overs): Wyatt-Hodge 89* (53), Dunkley 49* (38)
England extended their winning streak at the T20 World Cup with a commanding nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in their final group match at The Oval.
Having already secured the top position in Group 2 and a place in the semi-finals next week, England continued their momentum from four consecutive wins by comfortably chasing 164 runs with 16 balls remaining.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, now the tournament's highest run-scorer, maintained her excellent form by scoring an unbeaten 89. She was ably supported by Sophia Dunkley, who remained not out on 49 during their 128-run partnership.
Defending champions New Zealand appeared diminished compared to their 2024 title-winning side, and England's dominant performance further emphasized their strong position in the tournament.
After restricting New Zealand early in the innings, England took three wickets in four balls without conceding a run, limiting the White Ferns to 163-6.
Sophie Devine contributed three sixes in a 14-ball 30 in what was her final international match, but England maintained control throughout.
England's semi-final opponent will be confirmed on Sunday, with India or South Africa the most likely contenders.
The semi-final will be held on Tuesday afternoon or Thursday evening at The Oval, where England's women's team has an unbeaten record in 11 matches.
Victory there would send them to Lord's for the final on Sunday, offering a chance to claim their first World Cup title since 2017.
Anything feels possible for England
England were expected to advance from this group, which is considered the easier of the two pools. The other group features Australia, India, and South Africa competing for two spots.
Nonetheless, England have performed exceptionally well over the past two weeks as they aim to end their drought at the top of women's cricket.
With Wyatt-Hodge in such outstanding form—she now holds the record for the most runs scored in a single women's T20 World Cup—England's prospects look promising.
She aggressively attacked deliveries outside off stump and capitalized on a dropped catch when on zero and a missed stumping on 13.
England may receive a boost if captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returns, though Dunkley demonstrated strong form in case Sciver-Brunt's calf injury prevents her participation.
England have reached five semi-finals since winning the 50-over World Cup in 2017, and tougher challenges lie ahead, but this tournament feels like a prime opportunity.
Are lack of new-ball wickets a concern?
Despite limiting New Zealand's total, England did not claim a wicket until Izzy Gaze was caught off Freya Kemp's final ball of the 10th over.
While England remain unbeaten, their powerplay bowling economy rate ranks only eighth among all teams. More aggressive openers than Gaze and Melie Kerr—who top-scored with 42 off 34 balls—might have exploited this.
This is a minor criticism, however, as England excelled in the field, with stand-in captain Charlie Dean executing a direct hit from extra cover to dismiss Brooke Halliday for 20.
There was a brief period when Sophie Devine, by targeting the leg side, threatened to disrupt England's control, but Kate Bell, an improved death bowler, returned to dismiss Devine lbw in the 16th over.
England's next opponent will likely feature batting talents like Devine, making such timely bowling interventions crucial.
Suzie Bates scored 19 runs off 13 balls, including three fours through sweeps and reverse sweeps, before being run out on the final ball.
This defeat marked the end of the international careers of Bates, Devine, and seamer Lea Tahuhu, all of whom are retiring from international cricket.
New Zealand now face the challenge of remaining competitive without these key players, who have been outstanding performers and ambassadors for the sport.
Although they would have preferred to exit on a victory, the players left the field to a guard of honour formed by England's team, as a record crowd for a Women's T20 World Cup group-stage match stood to applaud, a fitting tribute to their careers.
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