Maia Bouchier’s innings of 91 and Charlie Dean’s four wicket haul guided England to a IT20 series win over New Zealand overnight.
England were bolstered by the return of Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt from the Women’s Premier League in India. Batting first, the visitors posted 178 and came into their bowling innings with Ecclestone back into the fold.
Dean and Ecclestone suffocated the Kiwis’ run rate, restricting the side to 130, 48 runs short of the total. The victory sees England go into the final game 3-1 up, ensuring the series win. Top run scorer, Maia Bouchier, who has scored back-to-back half centuries, spoke to the media after the game.
“It was great to get a win and win the series,” Bouchier started. “I think we talked about going out there with the same intent that we have the whole time and I guess it came off for me today, but also at the back end, we had Nat [Sciver-Brunt].”
“The others put in a good end score for us and then obviously the bowling attack to finish it off at the end was a great way to win and win the series and seal it off,” she added.
Since making her international debut it late 2021, Bouchier has struggled to solidify her place in the England side, often being moved around the order. Despite coming in at three for the first few IT20s, Alice Capsey’s return meant Bouchier was entrusted with opening the batting. Scoring 71 (47) and 91 (56) in the most recent IT20s, Bouchier’s strike rate has remained above 150.00.
“I've worked really hard to make sure that I stay there and stay there as long as I can,” she said. “Just being really clear on my options and to different bowlers and hitting the gaps.”
“As you know, we always talk about hitting those spaces and getting the trajectory right as well. I think that's so important. To get the two 50s, I'm really happy with that,” Bouchier added.