England have eliminated the White Ferns from the Twenty20 Tri-series in Barbados, beating the New Zealand side by 18 runs to end their hopes of making the final.
The White Ferns looked on track to chase down England’s first-innings total of 125 for eight, but a string of late wickets crippled their pursuit and they were eventually all out for 106 off the final ball of the innings.
Suzie Bates (46) and Sophie Devine (25) looked to be in control after 13 overs with the White Ferns 72 for one. However, when it came time to increase the run-rate England tightened the screws and the pressure told, with the White Ferns losing six wickets in the space of eight runs. Bates dismissal when she was caught on the boundary in the 18th over effectively ended the New Zealand side’s chances.
English all-rounder Natalie Sciver (4-21) made sure it would be a game to remember when she picked up a hatrick – the fourth ever in Women’s International Twenty20s. Jenny Gunn finished the chief wicket-taker though, claiming impressive figures of five for 18.
Earlier, the White Ferns had fought back hard after England won the toss and got off to a rapid start. Rain temporarily brought the game to a halt with England 44 for one, but the break proved beneficial for the White Ferns with Rachel Candy picking up a wicket on the first ball back.
Danielle Wyatt (39) and Natalie Sciver (23) kept England on track for a big total, but were dismissed just as they prepared to launch. The lower-order also failed to fire from the platform which had been provided, but the good work done earlier still saw England finish with a challenging total.
Sian Ruck (2-35) and Morna Nielsen (2-27) picked up two wickets apiece.
England will play the West Indies in the final on Sunday (NZ time).
