The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed an incredibly emotional chapter at The Oval on June 27, 2026. Facing off in the 28th Match of Group 2, England Women locked horns with New Zealand Women in a high-stakes encounter that would ultimately shape the tournament’s semi-final landscape. While the action on the pitch was electric, the day will forever be remembered for what happened after the final ball was bowled. It marked the end of an era for global cricket as three titans of the modern game said their final goodbyes.
Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu receive a special guard of honour from England as they retire from international cricket
Following a clinical performance that saw England seal a comprehensive nine-wicket win, the competitive tension evaporated into pure respect. The English team, alongside the remaining members of the New Zealand squad, quickly lined up on the hallowed turf of London to form an emotional guard of honour. Walking through this corridor of appreciation were Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu, three monumental pillars of the White Ferns who officially called time on their illustrious international careers.
The poignant tribute resonated deeply with a packed crowd at The Oval, drawing immense applause as the legendary trio walked past their peers in national colours one last time. For over a decade, these athletes have fundamentally shifted the landscape of women’s cricket.
Devine bows out as an elite all-rounder known for explosive batting and astute leadership. Bates leaves a legacy defined by unrivalled structural longevity and consistency across multiple formats, while Tahuhu remains celebrated as one of the most fearsome raw pace bowlers the sport has ever seen. Together, their staggering tally of 448 T20I appearances highlights the irreplaceable void they leave behind in the New Zealand dressing room.
Here’s the video:
England cruise to a dominant victory over New Zealand
On the tactical side of the equation, England secured a highly authoritative victory, effectively chasing down a competitive target with 16 balls to spare. Batting first, New Zealand Women posted a respectable total of 163/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Melie Kerr anchored the top order with a steady 42 off 34 balls, while keeper Isabella Gaze contributed 28 runs. Devine showed her trademark intent with a quickfire 30 off just 14 deliveries, but England’s bowling attack kept striking at crucial intervals. Dani Gibson spearheaded the breakthrough surges, finishing with figures of 2/30.
The response from England was nothing short of an absolute masterclass in T20 chasing. Despite losing opener Amy Jones early for 17 to Nensi Patel, the English chase never stuttered.
Player of the Match Danni Wyatt-Hodge took complete control of the game, blasting a breathtaking, unbeaten 89 off 53 balls, anchored by 15 fours and 1 massive six. She found an equally flawless partner in Sophia Dunkley, who registered a crucial 49* off 38 deliveries. Together, their unbroken second-wicket partnership dismantled the Kiwi bowling attack, comfortably reaching 164/1 in 17.2 overs to seal an emphatic victory.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
