England fall apart as New Zealand snatch victory in thrilling 3rd T20 by three runs to narrow series to 2-1

ByOli Gent

Updated 24/03/2024 at 14:59 GMT

England crumbled to a three-run defeat in their third T20 against New Zealand at Saxton Field in Nelson, leaving the tour hanging in the balance at 2-1 going into Wednesday's fourth match. The Three Lions were chasing 156 and were cruising to victory needing just 29 off 29 balls, but they collapsed spectacularly, losing six wickets for 25 runs after a strong start lead by Maia Bouchier.

England slumped to a three-run defeat in their third T20 against New Zealand as the hosts halved the series deficit.

The tourists needed just 29 runs off 29 balls with eight wickets to go of the final innings, as the tourists chased a tally of 156.

Maia Bouchier was dismissed for 71, and an avalanche of wickets ensued shortly after, with England losing a further six wickets for just 25 runs.

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The visiting side were comfortably in the driving seat of this match, and a win would have secured them a whitewash 3-0 win in the series over a New Zealand team that has failed to really impress up to this point.

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The Kiwis had set a high score for Heather Knight’s England side to chase, and they were lead by the brilliant Sophie Devine, up put up 60 runs from 37 balls, and struck a 99 from 68 partnership with Amelia Kerr.

It was Devine, incidentally, that took the tide-turning wicket - Bouchier’s - her delivery sliced at by England’s no. 3, with Hannah Rowe on hand to take a good catch.

Bouchier had racked up her highest T20 total, helped on her way there by Tammy Beaumont, who chipped in with 37 before being caught by Devine following Rowe's delivery.

Captain Knight was run out by Kerr after a miscommunication going for a double, and it was Kerr who took another wicket shortly after, her leg-spinner taking out Amy Jones.

England have been without some of their key players for this tour, but they will soon be joined for the fourth T20 by Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, and Alice Capsey, who all return from Women’s Premier League action.

New Zealand v England - 3rd T20 highlights as tourists collapse to defeat

"A lot of good stuff and a quite frustrating end," Heather Knight said to TNT Sports.

"We needed to be a bit more smart and show composure at the back end.

"Maia batted outstandingly. She came out with the intent we wanted and showed her class.

"A frustrating one not to finish off but remembering we are an inexperienced group and are missing a few players. Those girls will learn a hell of a lot."

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