Suzie Bates' 100th T20 International ended in a seven-wicket defeat to England as the WHITE FERNS finished second in the T20 Tri-Series, but qualified for the Final in Chelmsford on Sunday.
Sophie Devine scored a fifty in the first up eight-wicket win over South Africa in Bristol and backed it up with another half-century against the English.
Devine shared a 59-run stand with Amy Satterthwaite (37), but ran out of partners and was the last player out in the 19th over, with the total at 129.
The bowling effort started well with 20-year-old Jess Watkin taking the new ball and dismissing both English openers as the host's fell to 22-2.
Sarah Taylor (51*) and Nat Sciver (39) combined for the match-winning partnership as the English reached the target in the 16th over.
As it happened...
We’ve won the toss & elected to bat first in the final game of the round against England.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Watkin, Bezuidenhout & Rowe playing 🏏#ENGvNZ #TriSeries pic.twitter.com/pVDuWxL0VP
Congratulations to our captain @SuzieWBates 🙌💯
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
First WHITE FERN to the mark & 2nd woman in the world 👍#TriSeries pic.twitter.com/EPkM0io4Wl
😬
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Suzie Bates gone in the first over! Martin joins Devine.
Follow - https://t.co/EfhrL6Cdx3 #ENGvNZ #TriSeries pic.twitter.com/0wQzItXPOb
Tough opening Power Play with Bates and Martin dismissed.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Devine 19* from 19. Follow LIVE - https://t.co/EfhrL6Cdx3 … #ENGvNZ #TriSeries pic.twitter.com/4UzEuiC1xk
A 50-run partnership for Devine and Satterthwaite in 36 balls.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Clever batting from the expeirenced pair. Power and placement 👌
Follow LIVE - https://t.co/EfhrL6Cdx3 … #ENGvNZ #TriSeries pic.twitter.com/jstlrywO3b
JESS WATKIN!!!
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
3 boundaries in 3 balls from the 20-year-old - showing no fear in her first game of the #TriSeries
After a couple of wickets as Amy Satterthwaite departs for a well made 37 off 26. 104-4 with 6 overs to go. Follow LIVE - https://t.co/epTJvDquzg … #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/SoyAgiFEGk
Runs and wickets flowing in the backend of the innings.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Ebrahim joins Devine who has brought up her 2nd half-century today.
128-8 with three overs to go. Follow LIVE - https://t.co/epTJvDquzg … … #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/N7brLcBE2m
England require 130 to win and finish top of the table.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Sophie Devine led the way with her 2nd 50 of the day. Qaulity knock by Satterthwaite (37) & fiery cameo by Watkin (16 off 8). Follow LIVE - https://t.co/epTJvDquzg … … … #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/1ZibCVYg4v
How good!?
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
21-year-old Hannah Rowe and 20-year-old Jess Watkin asked to open the bowling with just 129 on the board. Watkin has a WICKET first ball!
Follow LIVE - https://t.co/epTJvDquzg … … … #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/498EPHcaiA
England are 62-2 after eight overs and need 68 to win from 72 balls.@Sarah_Taylor30 and @natsciver look in good touch, and these fans are enjoying the view from the flats overlooking the ground!
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) June 28, 2018
LIVE 👉 https://t.co/JrBpe6zFjK pic.twitter.com/dgWH7gGV6q
50-run partnership up between Taylor and Sciver.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
Quality batting with plenty of innovation.
50 needed off 60 balls with 8 wickets in hand #TriSeries pic.twitter.com/9fhvUaGRCC
Victory by 7 wickets to England.
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
They’ll finish top of the group with 3 wins. WHITE FERNS 2nd with 2.
See you in the #TriSeries Final on July 1 @englandcricket 🏏 pic.twitter.com/iBjuHkH9FU
“Jess Watkin was a real shining light for us today. Her intent with the bat & skill with the ball was outstanding.” - Suzie Bates #TriSeries pic.twitter.com/OAaJYVVw3X
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 28, 2018
