New Zealand’s one-wicket loss to England in an ICC Women’s World Cup league match has abandoned their hopes of qualifying for the knockouts in the semi-finals, with the Sophie Devine-led side now looking to make it to the last-four in their domestic tournament. A miracle is needed. ,
While the White Ferns are mathematically not out of the tournament, they will have to win their last league match against Pakistan by a huge margin, but before that they will also hope that the results of other league games will go in their favour.
After falling by a lone wicket at the tense Eden Park against the defending champions led by Heather Knight, New Zealand’s only hope now is to progress through net run rate.
By reckoning, the White Ferns should beat Pakistan strongly in their final group game, and expect England and/or India to win just one of their remaining two matches. Even if this all becomes a reality, the White Ferns will still need a better net run-rate than either side, according to the ICC.
Captain Sophie Devine’s condition remains unknown for the rest of the tournament after she was injured while running between the wickets on Sunday. After turning for the second run, Devine could not return to the crease with her leg and back caught.
Drinks were called in the middle of the over to get the treatment to Devine on the side of the pitch, eventually leaving the field. Devine’s future participation in the tournament is uncertain, although in positive news the captain returned to bat later in the innings.
Resuming on 37, Devine hits a boundary off Kate Cross, though falls to the seamer on the next ball, caught by Charlie Dean. The captain was unable to take the field in the second innings with Amy Satterthwaite taking over the reins.
England, on the other hand, have made two solid outings in a row to lend support to the bowling unit, after a disappointing start. The defending champions gave little away at Eden Park, with a tough chance for Amy Jones up to the stumps, the only chance in the performance.
England were also opportunistic with two run-outs in the innings, with Brooke Holiday being trapped by Nat Sciver and Jess Kerr caught short by Charlie Dean to end the innings.
While the fielding is at its best, the same cannot be said for his batting. Cruising at 176/4, England suffered a loss of 20/5 and were placed precariously on 196/9, which was saved by Anya Shrubsole’s unbeaten seven.
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