New Zealand Women faced England Women in the first T20I of the England Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2024 at University Oval in Dunedin. The contest saw a clinical performance from the English side as they managed to register a win by 27 runs.
Heather Knight shines with the bat
New Zealand Women won the toss and opted to bowl. England Women posted a competitive total of 160/4 in their 20 overs. Heather Knight‘s remarkable innings of 63 runs off 39 balls, comprising 8 fours and 1 six, was the highlight. Sophia Dunkley (32 runs) and Maia Bouchier (43 runs) also made significant contributions to the team’s total.
Suzie Bates’ knock in vain
In response, New Zealand Women put up a valiant effort but fell short of the target, managing to score 133/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Suzie Bates played a crucial innings, scoring 65 runs off 51 balls, but lacked substantial support from the rest of the batting lineup.
England Women’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Lauren Bell standing out with figures of 2 wickets for 29 runs in her 4 overs. Sarah Glenn also made an impact, taking 1 wicket for 17 runs in her 4 overs.
Despite Suzie’s efforts, England Women emerged victorious by 27 runs. Their strong all-around performance, both with the bat and ball, secured them the win in the opening game of the 5-match series.
Also READ: From most runs to most sixes – A look at some interesting stats of Women’s Premier League 2024
Here is how Twitter reacted:
England take a 1-0 series lead in Dunedin 🏏
Captain Suzie Bates leading the way with the bat with 65 from 51 balls. Catch up on all scores | 📲#NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/JqfS3IXDQJ
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) March 19, 2024
65 off 51 balls
4️⃣ 9
SR: 127.45Suzie Bates scored fighting half-century and she’s 28th in T20 International.
Most half-century in Women’s T20Is
Suzie Bates – 28
Smriti Mandhana – 23
Beth Mooney – 22
Stafanie Taylor – 22Suzie Bates the 🐐 of Women’s T20 International. pic.twitter.com/hh0BShyzpF
— 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝐹𝑎𝑁𝑠 🇳🇿 🇵🇸 (@NZcricketfans) March 19, 2024
The first of five T20Is goes to England in Dunedin 🙌#NZvENG scorecard 📲 pic.twitter.com/DsTvwDkTDF
— ICC (@ICC) March 19, 2024
Interesting to see Suzie Bates turning her arm over. Rarely bowls in internationals these days, since her shoulder injury #NZvENG
— Raf Nicholson (@RafNicholson) March 19, 2024
Terrific knock this from Heather Knight #NZvENG
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) March 19, 2024
Sarah Glenn showing once again showing why you always should have a leg spinner in your side
4 overs, 1-17 going at 4.25#NZvENG
— Jack Rule (@JackRuleLD) March 19, 2024
SUZIE BATES 🐐#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/QTKbFrHTVs
— women in blue forever (@imsachin171) March 19, 2024
💚End of Match💚
Suzie Bates’ 65 wasn’t quite enough for the White Ferns with England taking a 27-run victory. pic.twitter.com/GT7s6G4F2M
— Kiwi Cricket Kōrero (@KiwiCricketChat) March 19, 2024
White Ferns have lost their last three T20s at University Oval in Dunedin#NZvENG
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) March 19, 2024
New Zealand seem to have imported the Afghan umpires from the Ireland series…. #NZvEng #Homer
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) March 19, 2024
As good a knock as you’ll see that from Heather Knight. #NZvENG
— Jord (@jordsufc_x) March 19, 2024
With that fielding, you only deserve to lose and lose with some shame on faces.#NZvENG
— Kane Army DSZ🇮🇳🇨🇦 (@DeepTakkar3) March 19, 2024
After over two years out of the side, Tammy Beaumont becomes the sixth player to play 100 matches for England in women’s T20Is.#NZvENG
— Ashish kumar (@ashuisbad) March 19, 2024
Also READ: From most wickets to best figures: Bowling stats and records of WPL 2024
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.