ENG Women vs NZ Women, 1st T20I at Southampton, ENG v NZ (W), Jul 06 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

5.41pm So that's a wrap from the Utilita Bowl. England have stamped their dominance on the T20I series already. Can New Zealand find a response in Hove on Tuesday? Join us then to find out! From Miller, Alan and Harshith, good bye!

Heather Knight: "Up there, a few drops aside, myself included, but wanted to attack the T20 series like we did the one-dayers. Building some great options. First time we've tried four spinners, relies on Nat and Kempy bowling as allrounders. Kempy's figures didn't show how she's bowled, outstanding after her back injury, really good at the death. About the first time in six years I haven't bowled Sophie Ecc for four overs. Left Lauren Bell out, but you pick an XI on the conditions. We started our innings with real intent, the wind swirled so smart with our options, Batting is flying, entertaining to see. Awesome support down here, glad to get them a win."

Hypocaust: "This is the second time that England women have had four spinners take a wicket in the same T20I.The other was also against New Zealand, at Chelmsford in 2010 (Marsh, Hazell, Colvin, Wyatt)."

Sophie Devine: "England put a really competitive score on the board, have to take the game on, Suzie laid a platform, Jess at the end. But credit to England. We knew they had four spinners, up to us to play to our strengths, only going to get tougher. It's been a tough tour, my dismissal was horrendous, got to lead by example and today I didn't do that, got to shape up and put on a better performance at Hove. Got to keep believing in our processes."

The Player of the Match is Danni Wyatt: "Try and stay calm all the time, that's what T20 is all about, ups and downs. Supported well by Maia then Nat did what she does. It seemed to fly with the wind. There's a big game on right now... shall we go?"

5.25pm That was a very effective performance from England, who picked a lop-sided four-spin attack, and nailed their brief with a handsome win. It was set up by a forceful batting display led by Danni Wyatt's 76 and a brisk 47 from Sciver-Brunt, then closed out in style, particularly during a collapse of 5 for 4, including three in an over from Sarah Glenn. Kemp's successful return as an allrounder helped balance the attack in the absence of a strike seamer. It augurs well for their line-up in Bangladesh.

Valkerie notes that Gaur has indeed finished her A levels, but also picked up a side strain, presumably from too much frantic scribbling. She's with the squad now

Muzahid: "Where is Mahika Gaur? She seemed like a good addition to the side" I believe she was doing A-levels not so long ago. Her time will come