Emphatic:

New Zealand’s women salvaged  pride against England in the last one-day international of the series, but England, led by Charlotte Edwards had already won the series. A four wicket haul by Erin Bermingham 4 for 35 from her ten overs, two from Sophie Devine and a century partnership between Sara McGlashan and Amy Satterthwaite proved the difference as the White-Ferns deservedly won by 6 wickets.

Bermingham accounted for Sarah Taylor, caught behind by Rachel Priest for 5. Fellow opener Heather Knight anchored the first part of the innings, reaching 34 from 50 balls. She hit six fours. Her partnership with Lydia Greenway was only worth 3 runs, but Knight provided a platform for Greenway to build on

There were no partnerships to turn the match England’s way, but Greenway marshalled the lower order to steer England to 176 for 9 at the close of their 50 overs. She hit eight boundaries, but award-winning fast bowler Katharine Brunt thought that the wicket had 200 runs in it.

Bermingham polished off England’s lower order, dismissing Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh and Brunt for 23 between them, but the crucial wickets were taken by Sophie Devine. Knight was the fourth wicket to fall, bowled by Devine. She also sent Greenway back, but not before she had scored 65, made from 83 balls. It was her highest score for her country. Her innings was ended with the aid of New Zealand’s captain Aimee Watkins, taking the catch.

A fiery opening spell from Barnsley’s Brunt threatened to put England on top. Openers Maria Fahey and Lucy Doolan were dismissed for 20 between them and Suzie Bates was stumped by Sarah Taylor for 8 – two boundaries – off Marsh. At 35 for 3 New Zealand was in big trouble, but Satterthwaite and McGlashan had other ideas.

111 runs later, with victory all but assured, Satterthwaite’s 89 ball innings ended controversially. Caught low at mid-off by Brunt, Satterthwaite stood her ground. She eventually left for 59, having hit six boundaries. Colvin took the wicket. Watkins hit an unbeaten 11, while McGlashan matched Greenway’s effort. Her 65 not out contained seven boundaries in a match-winning effort. The White Ferns deserved their win, but England had already taken the series.

Commitment:

Women’s cricket has all the excitement and skill of the men’s game – more passionate and vocal supporters even. In a losing effort England’s women were fully backed by a small but loud crowd. The White-Ferns are one of the best sides in the world, but they show real dedication to the cause, just to wear their country’s shirt.

Last year their match-winning duo gave us an insight into their commitment and what was needed to build the game in their country and remember they are among the best, but the gap is growing as the English authorities invested in the game and built it to the point that they became world-beaters, both in t20 and the 50-overs game. Australia and New Zealand compete for second place and the rest for minor places.

“Most of our girls are either full time workers or students,” Satterthwaite told us then. “They’re having to juggle that with their cricket as well which makes it extremely difficult. I think the only thing they can do is keep helping us and supporting us financially to enable us to keep playing for longer.”

So what more could be done to help? “Like I said financially,”  she said, “and with the services that they give us – trainers and that sort of thing just to keep helping us along the way to keep playing. I think keep doing what they’ve been doing in this tournament [last year’s t20 World Cup]. Playing with the men gives a huge amount of publicity.”

Satterthwaite welcomed the opportunity that it gave to showcase the women’s game. They reached the final, eclipsing the performance of their men’s team. New Zealand’s men’s captain Daniel Vettori wished them well for the final. “He’s supported us,” said Satterthwaite. “He’s always behind us no matter who we’re playing.”

McGlashan wants to see women’s cricket helped to reach a higher plane too. “I think that the publicity of the women’s game is a huge thing in terms of getting players at a younger age and more players,” she said, before suggesting what was necessary to develop their game further. “Once players reach international level, just being able to support players, so that they can prolong their careers based on their ability rather than their financial situation.”