England Women secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in Match 27 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 26, 2025. Wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones delivered an outstanding unbeaten 86 runs as England chased down the target of 169 with 124 balls remaining. The match marked a disappointing end to Sophie Devine’s ODI career, as the New Zealand captain played her final women’s ODI game.
England’s spinners dominated the first innings, with Linsey Smith taking 3-30 while Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey claimed two wickets each, restricting New Zealand to just 168 runs in 38.2 overs.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Women | 168 | 38.2 | All Out | Lost by 8 wickets |
| England Women | 172/2 | 29.2 | 2 Wickets | Won by 8 wickets |
Target: 169 runs
Margin: England won with 124 balls remaining
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amy Jones | England | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 86* (92 balls, 11 fours, 1 six) |
| Linsey Smith | England | Bowler | 3/30 in 9.2 overs |
| Georgia Plimmer | New Zealand | Batter | 43 (57 balls, 7 fours) |
| Amelia Kerr | New Zealand | All-rounder | 35 (43 balls, 5 fours) |
| Tammy Beaumont | England | Batter | 40 (38 balls, 6 fours) |
Key Moments
- Early Setback: Suzie Bates dismissed early for just 10 runs in the sixth over, caught by substitute Emma Lamb off Linsey Smith’s bowling
- Middle Order Resistance: Georgia Plimmer (43) and Amelia Kerr (35) added 68 runs for the second wicket before both fell in quick succession
- Spin Stranglehold: England’s spinners took control in the middle overs, with Linsey Smith, Alice Capsey, and Charlie Dean choking New Zealand’s scoring rate
- Sophie Devine’s Farewell: The New Zealand captain managed only 23 runs in her last ODI appearance before being caught by Amy Jones off Nat Sciver-Brunt’s bowling
- Jones’ Aggressive Intent: Amy Jones reached her fifty with a six over long-on off Suzie Bates and continued her attacking approach throughout the innings
- Dominant Chase: Jones and Heather Knight (33) built a steady 83-run partnership for the second wicket as England cruised toward the target
Match Analysis
England’s clinical performance showcased why they remain strong semi-final contenders in this World Cup. The spin attack proved devastatingly effective on a Visakhapatnam surface that offered some turn and variable bounce. Linsey Smith’s intelligent bowling variations broke crucial partnerships, while Alice Capsey’s two wickets (including Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green) maintained pressure during the middle overs.
New Zealand’s batting lineup never recovered from the early loss of Suzie Bates. Despite promising starts from Plimmer and Kerr, who added 68 runs together, the middle order collapsed dramatically. From 89-1, New Zealand slipped to 101-4 and eventually managed only 168 runs, falling well short of a competitive total on a decent batting surface.
Amy Jones dominated the chase with intelligent shot selection and aggressive intent. Her unbeaten 86 off 92 balls included 11 boundaries and a six, demonstrating her class against both pace and spin. Tammy Beaumont provided solid support with 40 runs in a 75-run opening partnership before Heather Knight helped finish the job alongside Jones.
England’s fielding was also sharp, with Charlie Dean’s brilliant work leading to Jess Kerr’s run-out in the closing stages of New Zealand’s innings.
What’s Next
England have already secured their semi-final spot and will look to build momentum heading into the knockout stages. This convincing victory demonstrates their form at the right time in the tournament, with both batting and bowling units clicking together.
For New Zealand, this match marked an emotional farewell for captain Sophie Devine, who leaves behind a remarkable ODI legacy. The White Ferns will regroup and analyze their campaign, which showed promise but ultimately fell short of their expectations.
Match Details
Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Date: October 26, 2025
Toss: New Zealand Women (elected to bat first)
Umpires: Gayathri Venugopaland (TV Umpire: Candace la Borde), Shathira Jakir
Match Referee: Michell Pereira
Player of the Match: Amy Jones (England)