An injury to England’s key bowler Sophie Ecclestone did not stop the team as Amy Jones led a successful chase of a modest target, handing New Zealand a heavy defeat and eliminating them from the World Cup. Ecclestone hurt her bowling shoulder while fielding and managed to bowl only four deliveries, taking a wicket before England dismissed New Zealand for 168 in 39 overs during their final group match.
Despite a challenging start, fellow left-arm spinner Linsey Smith took three wickets, while part-time off-spinner Alice Capsey and seamer Nat Sciver-Brunt claimed two wickets each. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 86, steering England comfortably to victory.
Sophie Devine's last ODI match
After opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand never managed to gain control of their innings and faced constant pressure from England’s disciplined attack. Georgia Plimmer showed some determination with a fluent 43 off 57 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 35 from 43 deliveries, briefly steadying the innings during a small partnership. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered against England’s sharp spin and tight field placements, failing to build any substantial partnerships. Captain Sophie Devine, featuring in her final ODI, looked unsettled throughout her stay and departed for 23 off 35 balls, marking a subdued end to an illustrious career.
England’s bowlers made excellent use of the conditions, applying relentless pressure from both ends to dismantle the Kiwi lineup within 39 overs. Linsey Smith led the charge with figures of 3 for 28, extracting both turn and bounce to trouble the batters. She found strong support in Nat Sciver-Brunt, who delivered a probing spell of 2 for 31, and all-rounder Alice Capsey, whose off-spin yielded 2 for 34. Their combined efforts ensured regular breakthroughs, preventing New Zealand from mounting any counterattack and keeping the scoring rate in check throughout the innings.
Amy Jones pulls off the target single-handedly
England’s batting performance reflected composure and control as they comfortably chased down the modest target set by New Zealand. Openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones laid a strong platform with a 75-run stand, combining solid stroke play with smart running between the wickets. Beaumont’s 40 set the tone for the innings, mixing aggression with patience before falling midway through the chase. Her dismissal brought captain Heather Knight to the crease, whose 33 off 40 balls ensured the momentum remained firmly in England’s favor. Amy Jones played the anchor’s role to perfection, pacing her innings superbly and staying unbeaten on 86, guiding her side to a straightforward victory well before the allotted overs.
Though the outcome had no bearing on the tournament standings—England had already confirmed their semifinal berth while New Zealand were out of contention—the contest held significance in terms of rhythm and confidence. England’s disciplined chase and team effort highlighted their consistency throughout the group stage. Their batters seemed in fine touch, and the comfort with which they handled New Zealand’s bowlers will give them a morale boost ahead of their semifinal clash against South Africa on October 29. The team’s balance, depth, and form in both batting and bowling positions them as strong contenders for the title.
For New Zealand, however, the fixture represented more than just an early exit—it marked the farewell of an iconic player. Sophie Devine’s final ODI appearance brought a mix of emotion and nostalgia. Over an illustrious career spanning 159 matches, she amassed 4,279 runs and claimed 111 wickets, leaving behind a lasting legacy in New Zealand’s cricketing history. Her ability to dominate matches with both bat and ball made her one of the most admired all-rounders of her generation. Even though her farewell did not end in triumph, Devine’s contribution to the game will remain a source of pride for her teammates and fans alike.
Scorecard: New Zealand 168 in 38.2 overs (Goergia Plimmer 43; Linsey Smith 3-30) lost to England Women 172/2 in 29.2 overs (Amy Jones 86*) by 8 wickets