England closed its New Zealand warm‑up with a convincing seven‑wicket win in Derby. Alice Capsey, shifted to opener, smashed an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, the highest score of her career in the format. The victory set a strong tone ahead of the T20 series in Kent for England's squad ahead of the World Cup.

Freya Kemp praised Capsey's 'ruthless' display, noting the attack laid a solid foundation. Her own contribution of 31 not‑out helped seal the match after Heather Knight fell for 19. Kemp returned to the ball for two overs, ending a 14‑month absence that had seen her miss the 2023 World Cup England's preparations for the tournament.

The win bolsters England's confidence before the World Cup, with Charlotte Edwards urging the squad to maintain momentum. Kemp’s return adds depth to the all‑round attack, while Capsey’s aggressive opening line shows she can dominate from the start. The team now targets a strong start in the upcoming T20 series for the final World Cup.

England’s seven‑wicket triumph also demonstrated disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, with Kemp’s two overs proving lethal. The match marked a crucial turning point, proving the side’s readiness for the high‑stakes tournament. Fans can expect a competitive squad that balances power hitting with effective bowling strategies across the scene.