New Zealand secured a 17-run victory over England by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the rain-affected third and final Women’s One Day International (ODI) played in Cardiff on May 16, drawing the series 1-1 [1, 2]. Rain delayed the match start by an hour and an extended shower in the afternoon reduced the game to 33 overs per side [1, 2].
England posted 181 runs for 7 wickets in their innings with Alice Capsey top-scoring at 45 and Amy Jones adding 27 [1, 2]. In response, New Zealand faced early setbacks as England’s Lauren Bell took key wickets, including dismissing Suzie Bates lbw for 12 in what turned out to be Bates’ final ODI innings, alongside Georgia Plimmer and captain Melie Kerr [1, 2]. Bates retires having scored 5,970 runs across 184 matches, placing her fourth all-time for both runs and appearances in women's ODI cricket [1, 2].
Brooke Halliday remained unbeaten on 42 runs, supported by Maddy Green’s 37 and Izzy Gaze’s 22 not out, guiding New Zealand ahead of the DLS par score during their chase [1, 2]. The match was called off as rain returned with New Zealand on 141 for 4 wickets, 17 runs ahead on the DLS target [1, 2].
The series headline was Suzie Bates’ retirement after a career spanning 20 years, nearly 6,000 ODI runs, and 184 matches, underscored by reports describing her as one of the greats of women's cricket [2].
Following the ODI series, England and New Zealand will contest a three-match T20 series starting Wednesday in Derby [1].
