Special for codigopostalrd.net followers
In the final group stage match of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, held on October 26, 2025, in Visakhapatnam, India, the England Women defeated the New Zealand Women by eight wickets with 124 balls remaining.
New Zealand, who opted to bat first after winning the toss, were bowled out for 168 in 47.4 overs, with Georgia Plimmer top-scoring with 43.
England reached the target in just 29.2 overs, finishing with a score of 172/2, led by unbeaten Amy Jones’ 86 wickets in 92 balls and Tammy Beaumont’s 40 wickets.
This was a lopsided encounter, described as a “crushing victory” for England, which highlighted their dominance in both bowling and batting.
The match was a minor qualifying contest, but it had a huge emotional impact, as New Zealand captain Sophie Devine was playing her final ODI. Key Performances
England’s Bowling: The spin bowlers were exceptional on a turning pitch. Linsey Smith took 3/30, while Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/31) and Alice Capsey (2/34) provided support with breakthroughs. Sophie Ecclestone bowled just one over before leaving the field injured, overshadowing the victory.
England’s Batting: Amy Jones dominated the chase with composed strokeplay, including a four off Devine that sealed the match. Openers Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Beaumont got off to a solid start.
New Zealand: Plimmer’s knock offered a brief resistance, but the middle order collapsed, unable to adapt to subcontinental conditions. Devine, in his farewell, scored modestly and bowled wicketless.
Tournament standings: The victory secured England second place in the group table (5 wins, 1 loss, 1 no-contest; NRR +0.678), behind Australia but ahead of South Africa. They will now face South Africa in the semifinal on October 30 in Mumbai, riding high on three consecutive wins.
Injury concerns: Star bowler Sophie Ecclestone’s hamstring injury in her only over is a major blow. Tests are pending, but her absence could weaken England’s spin attack, already deep with options like Smith and Sarah Glenn, in the knockout stage. Captain Heather Knight called it “concerning,” although the team has shown resilience.
Momentum and confidence: The performance demonstrated England’s depth in spin attack and batting power, and Jones praised the “collective effort” after the match. Former player Alex Hartley predicted England were the favorites to reach the final, highlighting their improvement throughout the group stage. For New Zealand
End of the campaign: Already eliminated after just one win in seven matches (their worst World Cup record), this defeat capped a disappointing tournament. They finished in sixth place with an NRR of -0.456, struggling against spin and failing to adapt to Indian conditions.
Sophie Devine’s retirement: The 36-year-old all-rounder, with 302 ODIs, 93 wickets, and over 2,700 runs, bowed out with a loss. Devine expressed frustration with the team’s inability to “fire up” in Asia, but highlighted positives such as emerging talent.
Her departure marks the end of an era for the White Ferns.
Broader implications: The result underscores New Zealand’s rebuilding phase after the 2022 finals, with a call for better preparation for spin pitches.
No changes to the semifinal lineup: Australia vs. India (semifinal 1), England vs. South Africa (semifinal 2). The final will be played on November 2 in Ahmedabad.
It highlights England’s evolution as a spin-centric unit, in contrast to New Zealand’s reliance on a variable-speed game that faltered here.
England’s resounding victory strengthened their position as title contenders, combining relentless execution with depth, although Ecclestone’s injury tempered optimism, potentially forcing tactical adjustments such as a greater reliance on part-time spin bowlers.
As Jones noted: “Our spin bowling options give us a lot of confidence going into the semi-finals.” For New Zealand, it is a sobering end, as Devine’s farewell evokes tributes to his legacy but exposes systemic problems in subcontinental cricket.
Reactions on X emphasized the one-sided nature of the match: fans praised Jones as “unbeatable” and England’s “critical” pursuit, while New Zealand fans lamented Devine’s departure and called for introspection. Overall, the match closed the group stage with great success for England, setting up a tense knockout phase and serving as a poignant end to a historic New Zealand run.
