England suffer dramatic three-run defeat to New Zealand in third T20 international
England suffer a three-run defeat to New Zealand but still lead the T20 international series 2-1; Maia Bouchier's 71 runs, including 11 fours and a six, could not steer the tourists to victory at Saxton Oval
Sunday 24 March 2024 12:44, UK
Maia Bouchier's blistering 71 runs were not enough to save England from a three-run defeat to New Zealand in a thrilling third T20 international.
Chasing a target of 155 at Saxton Oval, Bouchier entered the fray early after England opener Sophia Dunkley was run out for a duck.
But the 25-year-old wasted no time in pushing for England's third victory of the five-match series, belting 11 fours and a six from 47 balls to take the visitors to 127-3.
However, her exit in the 15th over at the hands of player of the match, Sophie Devine, marked a dramatic momentum shift.
Despite needing just 29 runs from the final five overs, New Zealand's bowlers wreaked havoc on the rest of England's line-up, ultimately holding them three runs short as the hosts reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the series.
Devine finished with figures of 2-23 and added 60 with the bat, while Danielle Gibson claimed two wickets from her four overs.
England's schedule in New Zealand:
- First IT20, Dunedin: England beat New Zealand by 27 runs, March 19
- Second IT20, Nelson: England beat New Zealand by 15 runs, March 22
- Third IT20, Nelson: New Zealand vs England, March 24
- Fourth IT20, Wellington: New Zealand vs England, March 27
- Fifth IT20, Wellington: New Zealand vs England, March 29
- First ODI, Wellington: New Zealand vs England, March 31
- Second ODI, Hamilton: New Zealand vs England, April 3
- Third ODI, Hamilton: New Zealand vs England, April 6
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