ENG-W vs NZ-W 3rd T20I: England trounce New Zealand to clinch series decider in Hove

England steamrolled New Zealand by seven wickets in the T20I series decider on Monday (May 25) to clinch the bilateral contest 2-1 at the County Ground in Hove. It turned out to be a horrid day for the tourists as they were bowled out for just 80 runs in 19.1 overs.

Skipper Amelia Kerr's decision to bat first backfired as New Zealand simply didn't have any answers to England's disciplined bowling attack. Wicketkeeper batter Isabella Gaze (17 off 13), Maddy Green (14 off 18) and Jess Kerr (20 off 27) were the only three players who reached double digits for the visitors.

Player of the Match (POTM) from the previous game, Sophie Devine, bagged a five-ball duck, whereas Izzy Sharp also fell for a three-ball duck. Right-arm seamer Dani Gibson was the star of the show for the hosts as she claimed a three-wicket haul.

Every wicket from that amazing bowling performance 👇 pic.twitter.com/zSz57mNbgn

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 25, 2026

She returned figures of 3/14 in four overs and accounted for Amelia, Devine and Green. She was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM). England captain Charlie Dean also claimed a three-for and registered figures of 3/13 in 3.1 overs.

Linsey Smith was amongst the wickets again. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler bagged 2/15 at an economy rate of 3.75. She was awarded the Player of the Series for claiming six wickets.

In reply, England lost both their openers, Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey, inside the powerplay. But it wasn't enough for the White Ferns to put enough pressure on the hosts. A 35-run stand between Maia Bouchier (19* off 29) and Heather Knight (18 off 22) effectively sealed the game.

Top run-scorer of the match

Top wicket-taker of the match

Player of the Match

Dani Gibson

Danielle Gibson was the one who led England's charge with the ball in hand. Gibson made the White Ferns play false strokes and bowled to her field. She was spot on in terms of line and length and didn't give any freebies.

Turning Point

Gibson's double wicket over (seventh) was the turning point in the game. She dismissed both Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine in the same over to break the back of the White Ferns' batting line-up.

What the captains said

Winning Team Captain, Charlie Dean (ENG-W)

"We learned from that Canterbury game. When we're on top, we are really trying to be ruthless, and we were today."

Losing Team Captain, Amelia Kerr (NZ-W)

"It's a disappointing finish to the series. Throughout the series we've played some really good cricket but today was really disappointing. I guess it's better to do it now than at the World Cup.

"Losing wickets early, and losing wickets in clump - you want to set the tone and get off to a good start but we haven't been able to. We bat deep but we haven't given ourselves a chance."