BRISTOL – England and New Zealand's women cricketers are ready for the T20 tri-series final in Chelmsford on Sunday.
The two teams progressed to the final after England thumped the White Ferns in Bristol on Thursday.
England celebrated going into the final with a 2-0 record in the group stages against the same opponents.
“What pleased me was the way we adapted to the pitch. It was a bit slower today but our bowlers were outstanding,” England's Heather Knight told Sky Sports. “That was probably our best day in the field this summer, so hopefully we've got rid of the catching 'bug'.”
The home side chased their target of 130 with 25 balls to spare, Sarah Taylor making 51.
They had bowled tightly and caught well to dismiss New Zealand for 129, despite 52 from Sophie Devine.
New Zealand earlier put themselves and England into the final with an eight-wicket defeat of South Africa.
10 overs gone, NZ are 96 without loss. Bates 47, Devine 38*. Need 53 to win from 60 balls. #T20TriSeries #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/XUbtqm9PS9
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 28, 2018
When they meet on Sunday at Chelmsford, England are likely to start as favourites, having now won 12 of their past 13 completed T20s against New Zealand.
This latest victory was the result of a polished performance in the field to restrict a New Zealand side that chased 149 to beat South Africa with almost five overs to spare.