England narrowly missed the opportunity to take the NatWest Women’s International T20 Series against New Zealand this evening at the Rose Bowl, despite Sarah Taylor’s highest score in the format of 78.

Having lost the toss and asked to bowl first, Charlotte Edwards’ side recovered well with the ball to restrict the White Ferns to 147. Katherine Brunt removed captain Aimee Watkins (5) in the second over before a second - wicket partnership of 110 between Susie Bates and Sara McGlashan put New Zealand into a dominant position.

Bates hit eight fours and two sixes in her 68, which came from only 55 balls. Young spinner Danielle Hazell was the pick of the English bowlers, as she returned figures of three for 19 runs from her four overs.

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Having been unlucky to lose Captain Charlotte Edwards run out first ball, the chances of a successful run-chase were made less likely with Sian Ruck’s spell of 3/15 leaving England 29/4 in the sixth over.

A spirited fight back from Sarah Taylor (73) and Jenny Gunn (24) saw the pair break their own record fifth wicket partnership for England, as they put on 80 to bring their side right back into the game. Sarah Taylor’s third International T20 50 came from only 44 balls, and her six fours gave the crowd renewed hope of an England victory.

However, crucial wickets from Amy Sattherwaite and Lucy Doolan restricted England in the final overs, who eventually fell four short of their target.

Susie Bates was named Player of the Match for her contribution with the bat.

Captain Charlotte Edwards was proud of the way her team recovered: “We didn’t get off to the best start, but fought back well. Sarah played fantastically well, as did Jenny Gunn. We just couldn’t quite finish it off. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, we’ve got everything to play for.”

The final, decisive game of the NatWest Women’s International T20 Series will be played tomorrow, July 2, at The County Ground, Hove. The match will be played at 2:10pm, before the Friends Provident t20 fixture between Sussex and Middlesex at 7:10pm.

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine