New Zealand have snatched a thrilling three-run victory over England as Suzie Bates held her nerve in the final over to restrict the visitors’ run chase in their third T20 international at Saxton Oval.
Bates was called into the attack for the first time in the match with England needing eight runs with four wickets in hand to clinch the five-match T20I series.
The veteran picked up two wickets and limited England to four runs from the final over as New Zealand claimed a win to stay alive in the women’s international series.
A blistering 71-run effort from Maia Bouchier was not enough to get England across the line as they chased a target of 155.
The 25-year-old entered the fray early after English opener Sophia Dunkley was run out for a duck.
Bouchier wasted no time in pushing for England’s third consecutive victory of the series, belting 11 fours and a six from 47 balls to take the visitors to 127-2.
But Bouchier’s exit in the 15th over at the hands of player of the match Sophie Devine marked a dramatic momentum shift.
Despite England needing just 29 runs from the final five overs, New Zealand’s bowlers then wreaked havoc, ultimately holding the visitors three runs short.
Devine finished with figures of 2-23 and earlier added 60 with the bat, while Danielle Gibson claimed two wickets from her four overs.
England lead the women’s T20I series 2-1 with a pair of matches still to play in Wellington on Wednesday and Friday.