New Zealand A Women responded in style in the second T20, registering a convincing 8-wicket win over England A Women to level the 3-match T20 series 1-1 and keep their hopes alive. After losing the first match, the New Zealand Women came into this fixture determined to make a statement and they did just that with a clinical all-round performance.
Batting first, England A Women posted 142/5 in their 20 overs, a total that seemed competitive but ultimately fell short against New Zealand’s aggressive chase.
The English openers Davina Perrin and captain Grace Scrivens put on a steady 31-run stand. Perrin looked in good touch before being dismissed for 15 off 12 balls, while Scrivens contributed 18 off 21 deliveries. The innings was held together by a composed knock from Seren Smale, who once again proved her value with a brilliant unbeaten 52 off 45 balls, anchoring the middle order.
She shared a crucial 47-run partnership with Jodi Grewcock (23 off 18), helping stabilize the innings after the fall of early wickets. England, however, lost momentum during the latter stages. Bess Heath departed for a duck, while Emma Jones managed just 4 runs. Ryana MacDonald-Gay chipped in with a handy 16* off 16 to push the score beyond 140.
For New Zealand A, Emma Black was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/30, while Flora Devonshire impressed with her tight spell, claiming 1/14 in 2 overs, helping restrict England from reaching the 150-run mark.
Chasing 143, New Zealand A got off to a promising start with openers Georgia Plimmer and captain Isabella Gaze setting the tone. Gaze looked confident during her brief stay, scoring 13 off 10, before falling early. Plimmer, however, took charge and anchored the innings with a superb unbeaten 51* off 44 balls, displaying excellent shot selection and calm under pressure.
She was well supported by Jess Watkin, who struck a fluent 42 off 31 balls, and together they forged a pivotal 61-run partnership that broke the back of the chase. Watkin played the aggressor, scoring at a strike rate of 135.48. After Watkin’s dismissal, Bella James joined Plimmer in the middle and kept the momentum going. James played a polished knock of 32* off 26, and the duo added an unbroken 60-run partnership that took the team home in just 18.3 overs.
England’s bowling struggled to make breakthroughs, with only Ryana MacDonald-Gay managing to pick up a wicket (1/30 in 3.3 overs).
With this win, New Zealand A have not only leveled the series, registered their first win on this tour, but also gained significant confidence heading into the T20 series decider, set for July 7 at Beckenham.
