Bouchier shines as England Women cruise to ODI series victory over New Zealand

Maia Bouchier © Gallo Images

England recorded a one-day international series win over New Zealand as Maia Bouchier’s maiden century inspired an eight-wicket victory on Sunday.

In the second game of the three-match series, the White Ferns, who were out for 156 when they lost the opener, could muster only 141 from 41.5 overs.

New Zealand lost the last seven wickets for 27 runs, thanks in part to Sophie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone finished with five for 25 from nine overs and England achieved their target thanks to Bouchier hitting a century for the first time since her youth.

The 25-year-old made 100 off 88 balls, including 17 fours.

Tammy Beaumont was the only other England batswoman to reach double figures, the opener having made 28 before being dismissed.

After England won the toss, Kate Cross and Lauren Filer struck early to remove Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates and leave New Zealand floundering at 10 for two.

Amelia Kerr passed 2,000 ODI runs in her 86-ball stay for 43, while Maddy Green (30) and Sophie Devine (28) offered some resistance.

New Zealand’s dim hopes quickly faded as the boundaries were pushed at the start of England’s chase, with Bouchier and Beaumont scoring 50 runs from 53 balls.

Beaumont were run out, although the TV replays seemed inconclusive, and Heather Knight was awarded nine runs after picking Kerr at mid-wicket.

But Bouchier carried on regardless with an impressive strike rate of 113.6 and victory was sealed three balls before the mid-innings were reached.