New Zealand secured a rain-affected victory in the final women's One Day International against England in Cardiff on Saturday, drawing the three-match series 1-1. The tourists were declared winners by 17 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after persistent rain brought an early end to play.
England, batting first, managed to post a total of 181 for seven from their allotted overs. Despite a challenging start, the home side built a respectable score, hoping to clinch the series with a decisive win. However, New Zealand's chase began strongly, even after an initial wobble.
The White Ferns were 141 for four when the heavens opened, making further play impossible. At that point, New Zealand were comfortably ahead of the par score required under the DLS calculations, securing them the match and, consequently, a share of the series spoils. The victory also saw both nations share the valuable ICC Championship points, which are crucial for qualification to future major tournaments.
England's bowlers, particularly Lauren Bell, had initially put pressure on New Zealand, reducing them to 40 for three in the early stages of their innings. However, a resilient partnership for the fourth wicket steadied the New Zealand innings, putting them in a strong position before the weather intervened. The series had previously seen England win the first ODI, with New Zealand levelling in the second, setting up a winner-takes-all decider that ultimately ended in a draw.