England A women edged past by 2 runs over New Zealand A women in a very close contest, the 2nd One Dayer of New Zealand A Women’s tour of England. The clash witnessed late cameos from both the teams and a centurion.
England’s middle order cameos came from Jodi Grewcock (63), Freya Kemp (58) and Charis Pavely (74). However, a steady century from Georgia Plimmer (100) witnessed early stability for New Zealand but eventually the team fell short by 2 runs.
Batting first, England A Women posted a formidable total of 286/8 in their 50 overs despite a rocky start. The top-order was rattled early with skipper Grace Scrivens falling for just 5 and Davina Perrin departing for 2, leaving England A at a fragile position.
However, the innings was revived by Seren Smale, who steadied the ship with a composed 48 off 60 balls. Smale shared a vital 46-run partnership with Jodi Grewcock, which laid the foundation for the middle-order rebuild. Grewcock then formed the cornerstone of England’s innings with a brilliant 63 off 77 deliveries, crafting a crucial 75-run stand with Freya Kemp, who contributed 58 off 62 balls.
Kemp’s innings flowed seamlessly into another pivotal partnership, this time a 66-run stand with Charis Pavely, who played a breathtaking knock of 74 off just 59 balls. England A’s calculated middle-order partnerships ultimately proved instrumental in reaching their competitive total.
For New Zealand, Bree Illing was the standout bowler with figures of 4/64 in 9 overs, showing sharp discipline. Hannah Rowe also chipped in effectively with 2/46 from her full quota of 10 overs.
Chasing 287, New Zealand Women got off to a solid start, courtesy of an outstanding innings by Georgia Plimmer, who anchored the chase with a poised century. She found support in fellow opener Emma McLeod, who played a gritty knock of 43 off 57 balls, as the pair put on a 132-run partnership giving New Zealand a commanding platform.
However, after the dismissal of McLeod, the innings began to lose direction. While Jess Watkin chipped in with a quick 26 off 23, the middle order faltered under pressure. Skipper Bella James was dismissed for just 1, while Izzy Sharp managed only 4. A late surge from Flora Devonshire, who smashed a powerful 55 off 37 deliveries, reignited hopes for New Zealand.
But with wickets tumbling at the other end, the lower order couldn’t sustain the charge. The final push fell agonizingly short as New Zealand were bowled out for 284 in 48.2 overs, falling just two runs shy of the target.
Hannah Baker was the pick of the bowlers for England A, claiming 3/69 from her 10 overs, while Grace Scrivens returned to contribute with the ball as well, taking 2/29 in 6.2 overs. Phoebe Turner also made key breakthroughs with 2/57 in 8 overs, and Jodi Grewcock, showcasing her all-round brilliance, added 1/25 in 5 overs to her name.
