CWC: England cruise past New Zealand despite Sophie Ecclestone injury

The victory was overshadowed by an injury to England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone - the world's top-ranked bowler in One-Day Internationals.

Ecclestone jarred her shoulder chasing a boundary early in the innings, bowling just four deliveries and taking one wicket before leaving the field. Linsey Smith struggled in the powerplay, conceding multiple boundaries, while New Zealand reached 89 for one.

Melie Kerr (35) and Georgia Plimmer (43) steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership, but once Kerr was caught off Alice Capsey and Plimmer trapped lbw by Charlie Dean, New Zealand folded to 168 all out. Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets each, with  Sophie Devine dismissed for 23 in her final ODI.

Chasing 169, England's openers Amy Jones (86 not out) and Tammy Beaumont (40) shared a 75-run partnership, followed by an 83-run stand between Jones and Heather Knight (33). Jones sealed victory with back-to-back fours, completing the chase in 29.2 overs. Danni Wyatt-Hodge briefly batted at number four but only faced seven deliveries.

The win confirmed England's second-place finish, meaning they would advance if rain disrupts the semi-final. While Ecclestone's fitness is uncertain, England head into the knockout stage with strong momentum, a settled batting order, and a versatile bowling attack. Meanwhile, Devine bid an emotional farewell to ODIs, leaving behind a celebrated career.