Sophie Devine's explosive 87 from 57 balls powered New Zealand to a 14-run victory over England at Canterbury, levelling the T20 series. The White Ferns captain smashed six sixes and five fours in a match-winning innings that rescued her side from 11-4. Devine shared a record-breaking 159-run partnership with Maddy Green, who remained unbeaten on 56, steering New Zealand to 170-5.

England's bowlers began superbly in the sweltering heat, with Linsey Smith claiming 3-25 including the wickets of Georgia Plimmer and Melie Kerr for first-ball ducks. However, Devine's experience proved decisive as she dismantled England's attack, forcing captain Heather Knight out of the attack after one expensive over. The visitors' fielding deteriorated under pressure, with dropped catches and misfields allowing New Zealand to post a competitive total.

Chasing 171, England lost Sophia Dunkley for 26 and Alice Capsey for 22, before Heather Knight and Maia Bouchier's 43-run stand came to an abrupt end in the 16th over. All-rounders Dani Gibson and Freya Kemp could only manage 12 and 14 respectively as England finished on 156-6, falling short in their pursuit. The series decider moves to Hove on Monday with both teams knowing this was a missed opportunity for England.