WOMEN’S CRICKET: Charlie Dean took 4-26 as England beat New Zealand by 47 runs on Wednesday morning to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in their five match Twenty20 series.

Maia Bouchier hit 91 from just 56 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt thumped a rapid unbeaten 29 and Heather Knight weighed in with 21 not out as England posted 177-3 in their innings. Bouchier has now scored 217 runs in the series at an average of just over 72.

MEN’S RUGBY UNION: The top two clash in the Welsh Premiership on Thursday evening, when reigning champions Llandovery travel to second-placed Newport. The teams are currently level on points but Newport have played one game more.