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New Zealand beat England by 14 runs in a thrilling second T20I that leveled the visitors’ series 1-1 and set up Monday’s decider, but there was one decision that undoubtedly changed the game.
Spinner Linsey Smith was England’s best bowler, taking three wickets from his first 10 balls to leave New Zealand 11-4 flying after four overs – but was restricted to two overs in the powerplay after stand-in captain Charlie Deane opted to bowl to returning seamer Izzy Wang in the sixth over.
Wong conceded 17 runs in her first two overs, allowing outstanding batsmen Sophie Devine and Maddie Green to begin building what eventually became a match-winning 159-run partnership – leading to Dean’s decision to remove his best bowler at such a crucial moment in the match being asked.
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Highlights of the 2nd T20 between England and New Zealand at Canterbury.
Former England fast bowler Tash Farrant said, “You can definitely keep him going. He swings it the most in the derby – even more than the seamers.” Sky Sports.
“The only reason why he moved (Linsey) Smith was because of some powerplay over Izzy Wang. He didn’t allude to it in his interview, but, for me, it was a no-brainer (to keep Smith).
“I know most people in T20s don’t like their bowlers to bowl three overs in a row – but Smith is deadly when he gets that shape to right-handers. He picked up three in his first few overs.
“He’s very important for England – I think they need to look at front-loading Smith.”
Dean: It was a toss-up to remove Smith
Smith celebrates after dismissing Mellie Kerr
Despite his team’s results, England stand-in captain Dean Wong has defended his decision to drop Smith from the bowling attack.
“It’s a big toss up. Obviously I put (Lauren) Bell on one end. I felt we really needed one more wicket and we could really get through.
“It’s difficult for anyone to bowl three straight overs in the Powerplay – even someone of Linsey’s caliber. I’ll reflect on the changes I’ve made, but overall I’m pretty happy and they played pretty well.
“It always hurts to lose from such a great position but Sophie and Maddy and the way they batted – it shows that setting the batsmen up in the last 10 and the death is really important.”
Smith will bowl more overs when it really matters, Doll said
Brook Halliday is England’s fourth wicket and Smith’s third in 10 deliveries.
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Dull on Sky Sports:
“When you look at situations like this, you have to look at what England are going to do in the World Cup. Will Izzy Wong get a chance, and if he does, will he bowl that sixth over? Or are you just looking to win the game?
“They have the World Cup on their minds – they will probably look at a seamer to close the powerplay (in the tournament).
“In build-up games you get these little opportunities to test that particular player.
“If it’s a World Cup semi-final, he’ll probably bowl third.”
England vs New Zealand Results & Schedule
All times UK and Ireland; All games are live on Sky Sports
Watch Women’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports from June 12 to July 5. Hosts England open the tournament with a game against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston (6.30pm start) on the opening night of the tournament.
