New Zealand snatch last-gasp victory as England collapse in third women’s T20

Suzie Bates bowled Hollie Armitage in the final over as New Zealand hung on to defeat England by three runs in the third women’s T20I in Nelson. Photograph: Evan Barnes/Getty Images

New Zealand have snatched a thrilling three-run victory over England as Suzie Bates held her nerve in the final over to restrict the visitors’ run chase in their third T20 international at Saxton Oval.

Bates was called into the attack for the first time in the match with England needing eight runs with four wickets in hand to clinch the five-match T20I series. The veteran picked up two wickets and limited England to four runs from the final over as New Zealand claimed a win to stay alive in the women’s international series.