Visakhapatnam, Oct 26 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones delivered an outstanding performance with an unbeaten 86 runs, leading England to a convincing eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in their concluding group stage match of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Earlier, the England bowlers showcased a formidable effort, dismissing New Zealand for just 168 runs. Linsey Smith spearheaded the attack with impressive figures of 3-30, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey each secured two wickets. New Zealand, after a promising start at 89/1, crumbled dramatically, losing their last nine wickets for a mere 79 runs.

In pursuit of 169 runs, Amy struck 11 fours and a six, finishing with a score of 86 off 92 balls, marking her highest score in an ODI World Cup. She contributed to a solid 75-run opening partnership with Tammy Beaumont, as England wrapped up the chase with 124 balls remaining, securing a second-place finish in the points table ahead of their semi-final matchup against South Africa in Guwahati on October 29.

As rain has already disrupted several matches in this tournament, England's superior group standing could be crucial; they will advance to the final on November 2 in the event of a washout on both the match day and reserve day.

While England celebrated their triumph, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine was unable to script a storybook ending to her ODI career. However, she received a warm guard of honour from both teams as she left the field after previously declining one while coming out to bat. Sophie’s smile and embraces from teammates and England players alike marked the conclusion of a remarkable ODI career.

During the chase, Amy began her innings with a boundary off Rosemary Mair, before Beaumont unleashed her batting prowess with two boundaries off the same bowler. Amy then took advantage of Jess Kerr’s pace and width, smashing four boundaries in a single over, scoring 17 runs.

With New Zealand wasting a review, Amy lofted the ball for two additional boundaries before bringing up the fourth fifty of her opening partnership with Tammy during this World Cup. The duo kept the scoreboard moving with singles and twos, even as Tammy struck consecutive boundaries off Amelia Kerr, before being trapped lbw by Lea Tahuhu.

Heather Knight marked her entry by guiding her first ball for four, then sweeping Eden Carson for another boundary. With the spinner struggling, Amy capitalized by pulling for a boundary, while Heather successfully overturned an lbw decision against Amelia via review.

Amy reached her fifty off 71 balls with a six over long-on off Suzie Bates, and followed it up with three consecutive boundaries off Rosemary. Although Sophie returned to trap Heather lbw with a well-aimed delivery, Amy and Danni Wyatt-Hodge ensured England crossed the finish line in style.

Initially, at 89/1, New Zealand seemed stable with Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer at the crease. However, their dismissals on consecutive deliveries triggered a dramatic collapse, allowing England to take control of the match. Despite early troubles, England regained their momentum through their spinners post-powerplay.

England faced an early scare when Sophie Ecclestone had to leave the field after a mishap while diving to save a boundary in the opening over. Nevertheless, they managed to dismiss Suzie cheaply in the sixth over, with a full toss caught at mid-off off Linsey's bowling.

Initially, England's lines were inconsistent, which allowed Georgia and Amelia to settle into a rhythm. The duo batted with confidence, stitching together a 68-run stand for the second wicket. But consecutive wickets for England shifted the momentum back in their favor.

Amelia fell to long-on off Alice, while Georgia was trapped lbw on the next delivery. Sophie returned to dismiss Brooke Halliday, who slog-swept into the hands of deep mid-wicket. Unfortunately, Sophie had to leave the field for shoulder treatment, with Sophia Dunkley taking over.

From that point, New Zealand's collapse began - Maddy Green returned a full toss back to Alice, while Sophie’s final ODI innings ended with an inside edge caught by Amy off a fuller delivery from Nat.

Isabella Gaze, who had been dropped on zero, missed a sweep off Linsey, resulting in her dismissal for 14 runs, while Rosemary was trapped lbw by Nat. Jess was run out due to a slow response, and Lea mistimed a loft shot off Linsey, leading to a catch by Charlie to swiftly conclude New Zealand’s innings.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 168 in 38.2 overs (Georgia Plimmer 43, Amelia Kerr 35; Linsey Smith 3-30, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2-31) lost to England 172/2 in 29.2 overs (Amy Jones 86 not out, Tammy Beaumont 40; Lea Tahuhu 1-9, Sophie Devine 1-20) by eight wickets.

-–IANS

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