New Zealand's dramatic three-run victory over England in the third T20I kept the series alive, thanks to a captain's performance from Sophie Devine and a late collapse from the visitors.
Devine led the charge with a blistering 60 off 37 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 44* as New Zealand posted 155 for 3. England appeared to be cruising towards victory with Maia Bouchier's 71, but Devine's dismissal of Bouchier sparked a middle-order meltdown.
Kerr ran out Heather Knight and removed Amy Jones, leaving England needing eight off the last over. Suzie Bates, bowling her first over of the match, held her nerve to secure the win for New Zealand.
The final over was filled with drama, as Devine's penultimate delivery looked to be a wide but was not called. England needed eight off the last ball, and Bates delivered, removing Holly Armitage and then Charlie Dean to seal the victory.
Devine and Kerr had earlier laid the foundation for New Zealand's total, adding 99 for the third wicket. Devine's fifty came off 30 balls, while Kerr remained unbeaten on 44*.
Bouchier gave England a strong start with her maiden T20I fifty, but her dismissal proved to be the turning point. Tammy Beaumont and Bouchier had put on 92 for the second wicket, but New Zealand's bowlers tightened their grip after Beaumont's departure.
England's attack suffered a setback when Sarah Glenn was forced off the field after failing a concussion test. Her absence will be a blow, but the return of Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth match will provide some compensation.
Tags: #Cricket, #T20I, #NewZealand, #England, #SophieDevine
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