England completed a 3-0 ODI series whitewash over New Zealand as Nat Sciver-Brunt engineered a successful run chase in Bristol. Sciver-Brunt made an unbeaten 76 from 84 balls as England – 72 for four at one stage in reply to New Zealand’s 211 for eight in a rain-reduced 42-over contest – crossed the winning line by five wickets with 20 deliveries remaining. A fifty from Amy Jones and Alice Capsey’s unbeaten 35 gave Sciver-Brunt the necessary support to get the job done.
It was a recovery act that ensured Lauren Bell’s career-best figures of five for 37 from nine overs did not go to waste. Drizzle prevented play until 2.35pm as England took the opportunity to rest Danni Wyatt, Lauren Filer and Sophie Ecclestone, with the series already wrapped up by handsome wins at Chester-le-Street and Worcester.
Bell was one of the beneficiaries of the changes after sitting out Sunday’s win at New Road – and England’s capacity to strike early was evident again. Georgia Plimmer’s full-length dive could not beat Charlie Dean’s direct hit from backward point, and fellow opener Suzie Bates edged Kate Cross to give a difficult chance that wicketkeeper Jones accepted in outstanding fashion. Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr repaired the early damage with a partnership of 68 from 77 balls.
Devine became Bell’s first victim for a run-a-ball 43, chopping on a delivery that bounced more than she had expected and was too close to cut. The unfortunate Maddy Green was adjudged lbw but .
