Bell Guides England to Complete ODI Series Sweep Against New Zealand.

Posted 2 months ago

Lauren Bell's outstanding figures of 5-37 paved the way for England's five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third one-day international held at Bristol.

After afternoon rain delayed the start and shortened the game to 42 overs per side, New Zealand managed 211-8.

England stumbled to 33-3 but recovered thanks to Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones, who added 90 runs for the fifth wicket.

Sciver-Brunt ended unbeaten on 76, while Jones scored a brisk 50 off as many balls, guiding England to victory with 20 balls to spare.

This win secures a clean sweep of the series for England, with a five-match T20 series starting in Southampton on Saturday.

Lauren Bell, 23, starred for England by dismissing Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, breaking a crucial partnership. Kerr top-scored with 57, but New Zealand's innings ended with four wickets falling for just 27 runs.

Despite New Zealand's highest total of the series, England's early dominance in the powerplay saw them expose the visitors' middle order. Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, and Maia Bouchier fell early.

Sciver-Brunt, who was dropped on 63, anchored the chase alongside Alice Capsey (35 not out), steering England to a comfortable victory.