HOWE: Captain Charlie Dean and Danny Gibson took three wickets apiece as England cruised to a resounding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third and final T20I of the three-match home T20I series at the County Ground on Monday.
The home side took a 2–1 lead in the series after winning the opening match at Derby on 20 May by the same margin.
Series-deciding New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr opted to bat first as she could score 80 runs before being dismissed on the first delivery of the last over.
Against a ruthless England bowling attack led by Dean and Gibson, Isabella Goss (17) and Maddie Green (14) were the only other batsmen to score double figures, with Jess Kerr top-scoring for the touring side with a cautious 20 off 27 balls.
Gibson took three wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs, while Dean took one run less in 3.1 overs. They were supported by Lynsey Smith, who made two dismissals, while Issy Wong and Sophie Ecclestone chipped in with a scalp each.
Gibson was adjudged Man of the Match for his economical bowling figures of 3/14 in four overs.
In turn, the home team made light work of chasing a target of 81 runs with 3 wickets and 37 balls to spare.
Opener Sophia Dunkley continued to top England with 22 off 21 balls, while Mia Bouchier and former captain Heather Knight contributed with 19 and 18 respectively.
For New Zealand, Bree Illing, Nancy Patel and captain Amelia could take one wicket each.