The England women cricket team ended their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 group stage campaign in style due to an unbeaten half-century from Amy Jones. However, she guided her team to an empathetic 8-wicket win over New Zealand at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Sunday.
Now, England climbed to 2nd place on the point table with 11 points, trailing only Australia (13 points). However, South Africa has slipped to the third position. In short, the result has confirmed their berth in the semifinal, which reinforces their dominance in the tournament.
Jones’ Unbeaten 86 Anchors England’s Chase
England’s openers, Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, laid a solid foundation with a 75-run stand while chasing the modest 169-run target. Moreover, Jones remained not out on 86 off 92 balls, as she played with class and composure. Plus, she hit 11 boundaries and a towering six in her innings.
On the other hand, Beaumont contributed a brisk 40 from 38 deliveries before falling to Lea Tahuhu. After that, England skipper Heather Knight then joined Jones for a fluent 83-run partnership. However, Knight adds stability and flair to the chase. Moreover, the quickfire 33 off 40 balls of Knight ensured that the run rate of England never dipped below control.
Amy Jones fittingly sealed the game with consecutive boundaries in the 30th over. However, she capped off a flawless chase at 172/2 in 29.2 overs. Hence, her player-of-the-match performance was an example of her consistency and leadership at the top of the order in an inning that perfectly balanced aggression and elegance.
New Zealand Struggles Despite Bright Start
Earlier, New Zealand Women, led by outgoing captain Sophie Devine, were bundled out for 168 in 38.2 overs after opting to bat first. However, the innings began promisingly when Georgia Plimmer (43 off 57) and Amelia Kerr (35 off 45) scored a fighting 68-run partnership for the second wicket.
On the other side, the English bowlers dominated the proceedings when Linsey Smith (3/30) broke the stand. Moreover, Alice Capsey (2/34) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/31) broke through the middle and lower order to leave the White Ferns struggling for momentum.
Devine, who played her final ODI, managed 23 runs before being dismissed. Hence, it marks a quiet end to an immersive career. Moreover, New Zealand collapsed dramatically from 89/1, as the disciplined attack of England exploited line and length to perfection.
England’s Bowling Masterclass Sets the Tone
The bowling unit of the England cricket team deserves equal credit for setting up the win. However, the left-arm spinner Linsey Smith continued her dream run with three crucial wickets. Plus, Capsey and Sciver-Brunt delivered timely breakthroughs. Similarly, the field efforts also complemented their bowling excellence with sharp catches and tight ground coverage, restricting boundaries.
On the other hand, the tail of New Zealand offered a little resistance as England wrapped up the inning inside the 40 overs. Plus, it showcases their balanced and all-around team performance ahead of the semifinals.
Amy Jones – England’s Dependable Run-Machine
Jones confirmed her position as one of the most dependable batters of England with her latest unbeaten 86*. Moreover, her ability to anchor the innings under pressure has been important throughout the tournament.
Now, she heads into the semifinals in prime form, which gives the England women cricket team a much-needed stability in the top orders. The strike rotation, smart shot selection, and calm demeanour of Jones have highlighted who she is — one of the most technically sound batters in the modern women’s cricket.
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