England beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in Women's World Cup
England bowlers restricted New Zealand to 168 runs
Amy Jones scored 86 not out, leading England's chase
This marked Sophie Devine's final ODI appearance
Four-time champions England women's cricket team claimed an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in their final league encounter of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, October 26.
Opener Amy Jones struck an unbeaten half-century, sealing a convincing win for England, who have already confirmed their semi-final spot.
Jones, Beaumont Anchor England's Chase
Amy Jones scored an unbeaten 86 runs from 92 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six. Tammy Beaumont added 40 runs from 38 balls, which included seven fours, marking a 75-run stand for the English opening pair.
This partnership proved crucial in what was somewhat of a dead rubber contest for England. They successfully chased the 'paltry' 169-run target, reaching it in 29.2 overs. Batting stalwart Heather Knight contributed 33 runs.
England Bowlers Dominate
After New Zealand chose to bat first, England's bowlers dismissed them for 168 runs in 38.2 overs. Linsey Smith led England's bowling attack, taking three wickets for 30 runs. Nat Sciver-Brunt claimed two wickets for 31 runs, and Alice Capsey also secured two wickets for 34 runs.
For New Zealand, opener Georgia Plimmer top-scored with 43. Notably, Sophie Devine, who had embarked on her last ODI appearance with composure and purpose after a strong World Cup performance that included a brilliant century against Australia and successive fifties against South Africa and Bangladesh, was eventually dismissed for 23 runs from 35 balls.
England's convincing victory moved them to second place in the league standings, achieving 11 points. South Africa sat third with 10 points, while Australia topped the table with 13 points.
England Vs New Zealand, ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Brief Scores
New Zealand 168 all out in 38.2 overs (Georgia Plimmer 43, Amelia Kerr 35; Linsey Smith 3/30).
England 172 for 2 in 29.2 overs (Amy Jones 86 not out, Tammy Beaumont 40, Heather Knight 33).
Catch the ball-by-ball commentary for the England vs New Zealand match right here:
England vs New Zealand, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Toss Update
New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bat first.
England vs New Zealand, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Captains Speak
Sophine Devine (NZ-W): "We're gonna bat first, looks like a great wicket today. Same team for us. We played well in patches and with the ball we have been good in phases, hopefully we can put those pieces together today. Just want to out there, enjoy and play with a smile on my face. It's been a real honour."
Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG-W): "We wanted to bat as well, looks a dry wicket. We got one change. Emma Lamb is out and Danni comes in for her."
England vs New Zealand, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Playing XIs
England: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson.
England vs New Zealand, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Full Squads
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
(With PTI Inputs)
