England and New Zealand faced off in the third and deciding match of their 2026 women's T20 international series on May 25 at Hove, with the game broadcast live [1, 2]. New Zealand captain Melie Kerr won the toss and elected to bat first on a sun-baked pitch, saying, "We'll try and have a better start than last time" [2].
The England side included Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, wicket-keeper Amy Jones, captain Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Izzy Wong, and Linsey Smith. Sophie Ecclestone came into the team, replacing Lauren Bell who was rested [2].
New Zealand’s lineup featured wicket-keeper Izzy Gaze, Suzie Bates, captain Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, and Bree Illing. Bates returned after replacing Georgia Plimmer, who had two consecutive golden ducks. Rosemary Mair came back in place of Leah Tahuhu [2].
In the second match of the series at Canterbury, New Zealand recovered from an early 11-4 start to post a strong total, largely due to Sophie Devine’s 87 runs and Maddy Green’s half-century. New Zealand won by 14 runs to level the series [2].
The final match at Hove determined the series winner as both teams sought to clinch victory. The game was eagerly followed by fans and experts alike, with players adjusting lineups and tactics based on prior performances. Results from this decider would settle the 2026 women's T20 series between England and New Zealand [1, 2].
