In a thrilling display of women's cricket, England secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, leaving New Zealand behind in a stunning victory. But this match had more than just a win to talk about!
The game began with a strategic decision: The White Ferns, New Zealand's team, chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, England's bowlers had other plans. Linsey Smith's three wickets set the tone, restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 168. Georgia Plimmer's 43 and Sophie Devine's 23 in her ODI farewell stood out, but it wasn't enough.
And then, the real drama unfolded. England's response was led by the remarkable Amy Jones, who remained unbeaten on 86. But here's where it gets controversial—Sophie Ecclestone's injury exit could have been a turning point. Yet, England's depth shone as Tammy Beaumont (40) and Heather Knight (33) provided solid support.
The chase was clinical: England cruised to victory with 20.4 overs to spare. Jones' powerful hitting, including three consecutive boundaries, sealed the deal. And this is the part most people miss—Knight's LBW reversal and subsequent six showcased her resilience.
As the dust settled, England celebrated a comprehensive win by eight wickets. New Zealand's Devine, in her final ODI, received a guard of honor, a fitting tribute to a legend. But was this a fairytale ending, or did England's dominance overshadow her farewell?
The scorecard tells a story of England's might: 172/2 in 29.2 overs, with Jones and Beaumont leading the charge. New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain the English batters, leaving fans debating if it was a tactical masterclass or simply a one-sided affair.
What's your take on this match? Was it a predictable outcome or a strategic masterstroke by England? Did the injury to Ecclestone impact the game's flow? Share your thoughts and keep the cricket conversation going!
