T20 World Cup: England thrash New Zealand to charge into semi-finals

T20 World Cup, Group 2, Oval

New Zealand 163-6 (20 overs): M Kerr 42 (34); Gibson 2-30

England 164-1 (17.2 over): Wyatt-Hodge 89* (53), Dunkley 49* (38)

Scorecard. Tables

England’s winning streak in the T20 World Cup continued with a stunning nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final group match at the Oval.

Already assured of top spot in Group 2 and a place in next week’s semi-finals, England built on the momentum of their previous four wins by pursuing a chase of 164 with 16 balls to spare.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge, currently the tournament’s top scorer, maintained her excellent form with a score of 89. She was supported by Sophia Dunkley, who made 49 not out of their 128-run partnership.

Reigning champions New Zealand are a shadow of the team that won that title in 2024, but the dominant nature of England’s win has only increased the sense of momentum on that side.

After restricting New Zealand early, they took three wickets in four balls without conceding a run in restricting the White Ferns to 163-6.

Sophie Devine hit three sixes in her 14-ball 30 in her last international match, but apart from that, England were always in control.

Their opponents in the semi-finals will be determined on Sunday and most likely India or South Africa will come to the fore.

This match will be played on Tuesday afternoon or Thursday evening at The Oval, where the England women’s team have not lost any of their 11 matches.

Win that and they will return to Lord’s for the final on Sunday for a chance to win their first World Cup title since 2017.