England clinch T20 series against New Zealand with dominant display England secured a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand in the third T20 international at Hove, with a clinical bowling performance led by Dani Gibson ensuring a seven-wicket win. The match, played on a sweltering day, saw New Zealand collapse to 80 all out after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Gibson, the standout performer, claimed a career-best 3-14, dismantling the Kiwi middle order with precision. Her efforts were complemented by England’s spin attack, which stifled New Zealand’s ability to rotate the strike, forcing errors and limiting scoring opportunities. New Zealand’s top score came from Jess Kerr, who made 20, but the team’s batting struggled under pressure. Only three players reached double figures, with their lowest total in T20 internationals since February 2015 narrowly avoided. The Kiwis’ collapse was swift, as they slumped from 29-1 to 33-6 in the 19.1 overs, with Devine’s dismissal to Gibson’s mid-off catch marking a pivotal moment. England’s spinners, including Linsey Smith (2-15), Dean (3-13), and Sophie Ecclestone (1-11), bowled with accuracy, claiming six wickets for 39 runs in 11.1 overs. England’s chase of 81-3 was relatively straightforward, with Sophia Dunkley anchoring the innings with a composed 22. However, Dunkley’s early dismissal for 18—caught at backward point off Melie Kerr—highlighted the need for consistency. Maia Bouchier’s unbeaten 19 kept England in contention, and Freya Kemp sealed the win with a winning run off Bree Illing, leaving 37 balls remaining. The victory marked England’s seventh consecutive T20 bilateral series win against New Zealand, solidifying their dominance in the format.#new_zealand #t20_world_cup #england #dani_gibson #sophia_dunkley
