![Sophie Devine-Maddy Green Rescue New Zealand [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779550888834_SophieDevineandMaddyGreenscripthistoryforNewZealandWomen.jpg?type=hq)
Sophie Devine-Maddy Green Rescue New Zealand [Source: AFP]
In a heroic effort, Sophie Devine and Maddy Green scripted a historic partnership during the second T20I between New Zealand Women and England Women held at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury.
New Zealand had opted to bat first after winning the toss, only to regret the decision later. After losing opener Isabella Gaze on 4, Linsey Smith produced a magical over to get two wickets of Georgia Plimmer and captain Amelia Kerr on golden ducks.
Sophie Devine and Maddy Green rescue New Zealand
With just 5 runs on the board, New Zealand Women were three wickets down and staring at a humiliating collapse. However, to save the day at Canterbury, veteran Sophie Devine stepped up with the support of Maddy Green.
The duo absorbed the pressure beautifully with immense grit and patience. Devine scored 87 off 57 balls, including 5 fours and 6 sixes, while Green contributed with 56 off 48 balls.
Devine and Green stitched up a 158-run partnership for the fifth wicket and scripted history. This is now the highest-ever partnership by New Zealand Women against England in WT20Is. This broke the previous New Zealand record of 101* set by Suzie Bates and Sara McGlashan in 2010.
Not only that, but it is also the second-highest 5th wicket partnership in WT20Is and the fourth-highest partnership for any wicket for New Zealand in WT20s.
Owing to Sophie Devine and Maddy Green’s heroic effort, New Zealand Women finished with a competitive total of 170/5.
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Linsey Smith stood up for England Women
Meanwhile, England Women performed well with the ball despite Sophie Devine and Maddy Green’s resistance in the first innings. Linsey Smith picked up 3 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.
On the other hand, Lauren Bell contributed with a single wicket. While Issy Wong, Danielle Gibson, and Freya Kemp didn’t pick up a wicket, they were economical.
Regardless, England Women did start their chase well. Openers Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey stitched a 31-run opening partnership. In the first six overs of the powerplay, England gathered 49 runs while losing just a single wicket.
Series on the line for England
Meanwhile, England Women will bank on themselves to win the second T20Is. As they already have a 1-0 lead, winning here would seal the 3-game series for them.
Notably, the three-game ODI series between England Women and New Zealand was tied as the second game was abandoned due to rain. Hence, England will be desperate to capitalise on the momentum and seal a series to record a home tour.
On the other hand, for New Zealand Women, the fight is about survival. They must win this game for keep the series alive and avoid an away defeat.
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