Cricket: White Ferns clinch series

The White Ferns put in another strong all-round performance to beat England by nine runs at the County Ground in Hove yesterday in the third and final Twenty20 international to wrap up the series 2-1.

Riding a 50-run opening stand by Suzie Bates, 26, and Aimee Watkins, 22, the White Ferns put 124-8 batting first before restraining England to 115-8.

The platform set by the openers allowed big-hitting all-rounders Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne to accelerate, with the pair striking 23 off 23 and 22 off 15 respectively.

Spinner Danielle Hazell was the pick of the England attack taking 3-16 while pace bowler Katherine Brunt snared one wicket and went for just 11 in her four overs.

The England reply never really got going with opener Charlotte Edward's 19 their best.

It was the New Zealand quicks who did the damage up front with Browne ripping out the in-form Sarah Taylor before Devine ran through the rest of the top order to have the home team 48-4.

A string of late wickets by Lucy Doolan helped the White Ferns to victory after Danielle Wyatt (16 off 17) and Brunt (15 off 8) staged a late fightback.

Devine and Doolan both finished with 3-26 while Browne took 1-16.

Watkins said it was an impressive team effort that secured the win.

"We wanted it more. Our bowling and fielding was outstanding," the White Ferns captain said. "It was important to prove to ourselves that we can win under pressure."

The tour now moves to the 50-over format with the White Ferns taking on Ireland and England Academy before meeting reigning world champions England in a five-match series.

- NZPA