Despite losing the third ODI against New Zealand to go 2-1 down in the series, England's campaign to qualify for the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup is still on track. Charlotte Edwards' team toke just two points from the three matches which was enough to move them to second in the table, joint with South Africa who also have 7 points, but falling behind current world champions, Australia who, having not lost a match, lead the standings with 12 points.
Wicket-keeper batsman, Rachel Priest hit a career best 96 not out as New Zealand passed their target of 218 with eight balls to spare, to win only their second match of the campaign. Earlier on vice-captain Heather Knight seemed to be relishing her new all-rounder status as she hit 79, her highest ODI score, putting on 71 runs for the first wicket with captain Edwards. After Edwards fell for 40, Lauren Winfield made 29 before being bowled by Amy Satterthwaite and after that England lost regular wickets with Sarah Taylor, Amy Jones and Natalie Sciver only managing six runs between them. Katherine Brunt came in and supported Knight, before the latter was dismissed caught and bowled by Erin Bermingham with the score 159-6 in the 41st over. A late flurry from the visitors, in which Brunt featured with 26 off 24 balls which included a straight six off the bowling of Sophie Devine, meant England finished on 217-9.
New Zealand looked comfortable in reply, the opening partnership of Priest and captain Suzie Bates putting on 66 for the first wicket before the latter was out for 39, caught at mid-wicket by Sciver off the bowling of Anya Shrubsole. But that didn't stop the hosts, Priest and number 3 Satterthwaite shared an unbroken stand of 153 leaving the England bowling attack frustrated that they couldn't break up the partnership.
Charlotte Edwards was disappointed "to have only secured two Championship points from this round against New Zealand" but stated how difficult New Zealand are to beat, especially at home. She continued, "We are however still in a good position in the table, and everything will be to play for when we take on Australia as part of the multi-format Women's Ashes this summer."
England now leave Mount Maunganui, their base for these first three ODI's, and move to Whangarei for two Twenty20's before finishing in Lincoln for the final T20 and two further ODI's. Only the first three ODI's count towards the ICC Women's Championship, which will decide who qualifies for the 2017 Women's World Cup to be held in England. The top four placed teams in the eight team competition will automatically qualify for the tournament, with the bottom four teams needing to play six qualifying teams to make it.
Highlights from the 3rd ODI. [From Official England Cricket YouTube Channel]