England advanced to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 semi-finals with a commanding six-wicket win over New Zealand in a tightly contested match. This victory secured their place in the last four and highlighted the team’s exceptional bowling performance, particularly from Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Prisha Thanawala.
New Zealand’s innings took a dramatic turn as their batting lineup collapsed remarkably, losing all 10 wickets for a mere 40 runs. Corteen-Coleman was the standout bowler, delivering an impressive spell that earned her figures of four wickets for just eight runs. Thanawala also played a crucial role, taking three wickets for 19 runs. Their combined spin bowling, complemented by sharp glovework from wicketkeeper Katie Jones, dismantled the New Zealand batting order. The collapse was stunning, with New Zealand slipping from a promising 49 for one to 89 all out.
With a target of 90 runs set, England confidently approached their innings. Openers Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin laid a solid foundation, scoring 29 and 21 runs, respectively. Their partnership was instrumental in ensuring England reached their target smoothly, as they required only 11.4 overs to achieve the victory. Spence’s aggressive batting and Perrin’s steady composure reflected their determination to finish the match efficiently.
This victory secured England’s position in the top two of Super Six Group 2, alongside South Africa, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final clash as they aim for the championship.
New Zealand’s Promising Start Gives Way to Dramatic Collapse
New Zealand began their innings in Borneo on a promising note, with openers Kate Irwin and Emma McLeod providing the team’s best start of the tournament. The duo raced to 44 runs without loss, displaying an aggressive intent that showcased their batting capabilities. However, their momentum was hindered by a rain delay after just 7.3 overs, which would prove crucial in the context of the match.
Upon the resumption of play, New Zealand struggled to regain their rhythm. Trudy Johnson emerged as England’s game-changer, making the breakthrough in her next over by dismissing Irwin, who was caught at mid-on by Phoebe Brett. This wicket marked the beginning of a rapid decline for New Zealand. Johnson struck again shortly after, removing Anika Todd for just five runs. The pressure mounted as Brett also contributed, stumping McLeod while attempting to hit a shot down the ground, leaving New Zealand at 44 for three.
In an attempt to stabilize their innings, New Zealand faced further setbacks, losing three wickets for a mere 11 runs. Prisha Thanawala then entered the fray, making a significant impact with her spin bowling. She dismissed Eve Wolland for just two runs, sparking a cancerous collapse in the New Zealand batting lineup. Hannah Francis and Darcy-Rose Prasad fell to consecutive deliveries, leaving their team in dire straits at 79 for six.
Tilly Corteen-Coleman then took command, finishing off New Zealand’s innings in emphatic style. The final four New Zealand wickets fell for just 10 runs, a testament to England’s tight bowling. Corteen-Coleman initiated the end by claiming her first wicket. Rishika Jaswal stumped for zero thanks to another sharp performance by wicketkeeper Katie Jones, who recorded her third stumping.
New Zealand’s captain, Tash Wakelin, attempted to anchor the innings but could only muster eight runs off 20 balls before falling on the first delivery of the last over. Corteen-Coleman wasn’t done yet; she struck twice more in that final over, first having Ayaan Lambat caught by Jones for six runs, then claiming her fourth wicket as Louisa Kotkamp was stumped on the last ball of the innings.
This stunning bowling display saw New Zealand all out for a disappointing total of 89 runs, setting England a target of 90 to chase for victory. England’s dramatic collapse and effective teamwork in the field highlighted their dominance and set a challenging tone for New Zealand as they prepared to defend their total.
England Surge to Victory
Opener Davina Perrin continued her remarkable run of form with the bat, making an explosive start to her innings by driving the first legal ball for a boundary. This set the tone for an exciting powerplay, as she maintained a fast-paced approach throughout her early overs. Perrin showcased her stroke play, striking another four and a six in a single over, propelling England to a brisk 34 without loss after three overs. Their aggressive intent was clear as they aimed to seize control of the match against New Zealand.
However, Perrin’s innings ended when she scored 21 runs, mis-timing a shot for another boundary off Sophie Court. The ball was safely caught by Kate Irwin at mid-on, halting England’s momentum for a moment.
With Perrin back in the pavilion, Jemima Spence joined forces with Trudy Johnson to keep the momentum alive. Both batters demonstrated a mix of strong running and solid stroke play, each hitting a four to maintain the pressure on the New Zealand bowlers. Their partnership flourished until Johnson fell for seven runs, the dismissal resulting from Rishika Jaiswal’s clever bowling, leaving England at 53 for two.
Jaiswal continued to make her mark on the game, striking again to dismiss Abi Norgrove for just two runs. Norgrove’s dismissal came at a critical juncture, caught at deep mid-wicket by Emma McLeod, causing further tension in the English camp as they lost their captain.
Despite the setbacks, England pressed on, steadily edging toward their target. However, the pressure intensified when Hannah Francis claimed the crucial wicket of Spence, who had compiled a valuable 29 runs. Irwin caught Spence at backward point, leaving England at 66 for four.
In mounting pressure, Charlotte Stubbs and wicketkeeper Katie Jones stepped up to the challenge. Together, they crafted a solid partnership that edged England closer to victory, combining brilliant running with boundary-hitting. Stubbs, in particular, played a pivotal role in sealing the match, hitting a six as part of her commendable innings of 17 off 15 balls.
With their partnership guiding England, they successfully chased down the remaining 16 runs, ensuring England’s progression to the semi-finals for the second successive tournament. This victory not only showcased the team’s resilience but also underscored their capability to perform under pressure.
Scores in Brief
England vs. New Zealand – Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak
- New Zealand: 89 all out in 20 overs
Top Performers: Kate Irwin 35, Emma McLeod 18
Bowling Highlights: Tilly Corteen-Coleman 4/8, Prisha Thanawala 3/19 - England: 90 runs in 11.4 overs
Top Performers: Jemima Spence 29, Davina Perrin 21
Bowling Highlights: Rishika Jaiswal 2/22, Hannah Francis 1/6
Result: England wins by six wickets.
