England enjoyed a mixed day in their Vitality IT20 Tri-Series double-header, losing to South Africa but beating New Zealand to leave themselves top of the group on four points.
Victory over South Africa would have seen them qualify for the final and while they’re not yet mathematically certain to progress they remain firmly in the box seat, with the next round of games taking place on Thursday June 28.
The first game – against South Africa – went to the wire, in stark contrast to England’s resounding victory over the same opponents on Wednesday.
Like the opening game of the series England won the toss and batted first but on this occasion they could only reach 160/5, thanks again to Tammy Beaumont (71).
It seemed about par but England let themselves down with the ball and in the field, allowing Sune Luus to take her side to a six-wicket victory with a vital and impressive 63.
Stung by their performance in the opener Heather Knight’s side bounced back to post 172/8 against New Zealand (Sciver 59), and their bowlers then took early wickets to derail the White Ferns’ chase.
The visitors could never quite get going, and lost by 54 runs. Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers with 4-18.