New Zealand have saved their best for last, thrashing England by seven wickets with 11 overs remaining to win the third and final ODI at Hamilton today.
Sophie Devine was the star for the White Ferns, the skipper returning from a thigh injury which kept her out of the first two matches to score an unbeaten century off 96 balls, an explosive knock which included 11 fours and four sixes. It was her eighth ODI ton.
She hit two of those sixes in the 39th over, the last one helping New Zealand overtake England’s below-par score of 194.
Devine was ably supported by Maddy Green, who hit an unbeaten 38. The pair put on 105 to see New Zealand safely home.
The game was a dead rubber after England wrapped up the three-match series on Friday, with the White Ferns also winning only one T20 international against the tourists.
But it was a vastly improved performance from the home side, New Zealand bowling out England in the 47th over with Jess Kerr and Hannah Rowe both picking up three wickets.
Amelia Kerr’s leg spin was also handy. She picked up two wickets and put the brakes on the England innings in the middle overs, along with sister Jess.
Amy Jones was England’s best with the bat, hitting a 50 off 52 balls.
New Zealand were in trouble early when Georgia Plimmer was out for four and Suzie Bates followed soon after to leave the White Ferns 14-2.
But Amelia Kerr (31) and Devine steadied the ship before Green joined Devine to lead the home side home.
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