Spin Brilliance Puts England in Control as Devine’s ODI Farewell Ends in Defeat

Spin Brilliance Puts England in Control as Devine’s ODI Farewell Ends in Defeat

England’s spinners dismantled New Zealand for just 168 runs in their final Women’s World Cup group-stage clash, setting up a 169-run chase despite an injury scare to star bowler Sophie Ecclestone.

The day also marked the end of an era for Sophie Devine, who played her final ODI innings for New Zealand but couldn’t script the perfect farewell, managing only 23 runs off 35 balls in a disappointing batting display.

England’s Spin Stifles New Zealand

After winning the toss, New Zealand struggled to build momentum against England’s spin-heavy attack. Linsey Smith (3–30) led the charge, while Nat Sciver-Brunt (2–31) and Alice Capsey (2–34) chipped in crucial wickets to bowl out the White Ferns inside 39 overs.

Georgia Plimmer (43) and Amelia Kerr (35) provided brief resistance through a 68-run stand, but once Kerr holed out to Charlie Dean and Plimmer fell lbw the next over, New Zealand’s innings unraveled rapidly.

Smith returned with the old ball to castle Izzy Gaze, while Sciver-Brunt and Dean wrapped up the tail in clinical fashion.

Ecclestone’s Injury Worry

England were left concerned early when Ecclestone jarred her left shoulder attempting a save off the second ball of the match. Though she briefly returned to take a wicket — Brooke Halliday, caught at deep midwicket — the spinner left the field again soon after, clearly in discomfort. Her fitness will be closely monitored ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against South Africa.

Devine’s Farewell Fizzles

For Sophie Devine, the farewell didn’t go as planned. The veteran all-rounder, one of New Zealand’s most influential cricketers, showed glimpses of her trademark aggression before edging an offcutter from Sciver-Brunt to wicketkeeper Amy Jones.

England’s tight bowling and sharp fielding — capped by Dean’s excellent running catch to dismiss Lea Tahuhu — ensured Devine’s final ODI ended in frustration as her side were bowled out well short of par.

The Chase Ahead

England will now chase 169 to finish the group stage on a high and secure momentum heading into the knockout rounds.

For Devine, meanwhile, the game marks the end of a glittering ODI career — one that helped shape New Zealand women’s cricket for over a decade.