Second T20, Canterbury
New Zealand 170-5 (20 overs): Devine 87 (57), Green 56*; Smith 3-25
England 156-6 (20 overs): Bouchier 38 (33); Patel 2-25
New Zealand won by 14 runs; series level at 1-1
Scorecard
England suffered a disappointing 14-run defeat as Sophie Devine’s brilliance levelled the T20 series for New Zealand at Canterbury.
England’s bowlers started magnificently in scorching conditions, restricting New Zealand to 11-4, but Sophie Devine and Maddy Green added a record-breaking 159 for the fifth wicket to take the White Ferns to a competitive 170-5.
All-rounder Devine blasted 87 from 57 balls before she was run out from the final ball of the innings, with Green finishing 56 not out in support.
Devine hit six sixes and five fours as England’s bowlers and fielders struggled under pressure in all-too-familiar scenes.
Linsey Smith dominated the powerplay as she finished with 3-25, removing opener Georgia Plimmer and skipper Melie Kerr for first-ball ducks, but the stunning recovery gave New Zealand the momentum going into the second innings.
Although England started their chase positively, Sophia Dunkley was the first to throw away her start and fell for 26 from 18 balls.
After Alice Capsey was out for 22, Heather Knight and Maia Bouchier added 43 for the third wicket but their cautious approach led to the run-rate climbing and when the pair fell in consecutive balls in the 16th over, New Zealand were within touching distance of victory.
Explosive all-rounders Dani Gibson and Freya Kemp were tasked with scoring 30 from the final two overs, but they were dismissed for 12 and 14 respectively as England finished on 156-6.
The series decider takes place at Hove on Monday, when even hotter conditions are expected.