Returning New Zealand captain Sophie Devine was the architect of the win, finishing unbeaten on 100* as the hosts sailed to a seven-wicket victory in the third ODI in Hamilton.
Devine, who was out of the last three matches of the tour with a quad strain, made a late entry to the third ODI squad but her instant impact proved beneficial to the hosts.
Devine was aided by Amelia Kerr (31) and Maddy Green (38*), stitching half-century stands with both these batters, as the White Ferns chased down 195 with seven wickets to spare in the 39th over.
The move of opting to bat in the third ODI back-fired for England as New Zealand bowlers made early inroads. There were useful contributions from England captain Heather Knight (31) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (27) but the batters failed to convert their starts. The middle-order also faltered until another inspired performance from Amy Jones (50) and Charlie Dean (38). However, solid bowling from the Kerr sisters alongwith Hannah Rowe helped the White Ferns bowl out the visitors for just 194 in the 47th over.
The win meant that New Zealand gained two important points in the current ICC Women”s Championship Standings and moved to No.4, just below England at No.3. Only one point separates the two teams.
Overall, England had a successful outing in New Zealand; first winning the five-match T20I series 4-1.
They were equally impressive in the ODI series, winning the first ODI by four wickets and the second by 56 runs, thus gaining an unassailable lead.
After bowling out New Zealand for 207 in the first ODI, with Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean picking up three wickets each, a stunning 92* from Amy Jones powered England to a clinical win.
Struggling at 79/6, the seventh-wicket stand between Jones and Dean (42*) revived the failing England innings and the pair took their team over the line in the 42nd over.
In the second match, England opted to bat first and posted 252 on the board; opener Tammy Beaumont top-scoring with 81. Despite a middle-order slump, a fighting 48 from Amy Jones ensured the visitors set a competitive target.
The England bowlers strangled the scoring-rate of the hosts right from the beginning. Brooke Halliday (57) and wicket-keeper Isabella Gaze (47) offered some resistance in the middle overs but disciplined bowling ensured the visitors kept a firm control of the match.
Nat Sciver-Brunt was the pick of the bowlers in the second ODI, accounting for the wickets of Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr and Jess Kerr.
Amy Jones was the Player of the Series and also the top run-scorer, accumulating 190 runs in three matches at an average of 95.00.
Jess Kerr was the highest wicket-taker with 7 scalps at an average of 19.57.
