England women defeated by New Zealand in the NatWest Women's International T20 Series.
England lost out to New Zealand in the decisive match of the NatWest Women's International T20, at The County Ground, Hove today.
The only consolation for England was the in form bowling of Katherine Brunt and Danielle Hazell, but their efforts were in vain as New Zealand took the match by nine runs and wrapped up the series 2-1.
Brunt's bowling performance (1-11) was trumped by Danielle Hazell, who set career best figures (3-16) in the format taking the first three wickets of the match. Hazell restricted the White Ferns to 61-3 in the eleventh over and ensured top scoring Suzie Bates (26) could not produce a repeat of yesterday's 68-run performance. Nicky Shaw (2-26) picked up two late wickets as England piled on the pressure to leave New Zealand one 124 for eight, and gave England confidence going into bat for the series title.
England did not display the same confidence with the bat and were unable to deliver the winning runs. Losing the early wickets of Sarah Taylor (7), Charlotte Edwards (19) and Claire Taylor (12) made the run chase difficult for the middle order. The rate soon crept up as England were 5-52 after 11 overs.
Brunt's gutsy performance with the bat-hitting 15 off 14 and the only player to clear the Sussex ropes, was too late for England as they fell 10 runs short of victory.
New Zealand picked up player of the match and player of the series through Nicola Browne and Suzie Bates respectively.
After the match Charlotte Edwards reflected on England's performance: "The bowlers did their job, they bowled well, especially Danielle Hazell and Katherine. I'm obviously disappointed, we had plans in place and we came here to win today.
We have a one day international with Ireland and a game against the England Academy to focus on now, as we get back to fifty-over cricket, which suits us."
England will play England Women's Academy in a fifty-over match on Monday, July 5 and a one day international against Ireland on Wednesday, July 7 at Kibworth Cricket Club, Leicester ahead of the NatWest Women's ODI Series.
