England's women added the World Twenty20 title to their World Cup crown with a convincing six-wicket win over New Zealand at Lord's here on Sunday. England fast bowler Katherine Brunt took three wickets for just six runs as New Zealand were dismissed for a 85 and the hosts reached their modest victory target of 86 for the loss of four wickets with three overs to spare.
It was the second time this year that England had defeated New Zealand in the climax of a major tournament after their four-wicket win in the 50-over World Cup final in Sydney in March.
Claire Taylor, dropped before she scored, hit the winning boundary off Nicola Browne to finish on 39 not out after making an unbeaten 76 in Friday's eight-wicket semi-final win over Australia at the Oval.
Amy Satterthwaite's 19 was the top score in a New Zealand innings where only four batsmen made double figures. England, after captain Charlotte Edwards won the toss and elected to field, took their first wicket with the fifth ball of the innings.
Off-spinner Laura Marsh deceived Suzie Bates with a flighted delivery and the opener was stumped by England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor. New Zealand then saw captain Aimee Watkins, who made 89 not out in their semi final win over India, clean bowled by Brunt for just two on the drive.
The White Ferns then suffered two setbacks in the eighth over as Brunt finished her spell with a double-wicket maiden. Lucy Doolan, on 14, tried to play a 'ramp' shot off Brunt but got an edge and was caught brilliantly by a diving Sarah Taylor.
Three balls later, Rachel Priest miscued a pull and was caught and bowled for nought to leave New Zealand in dire straits at 23 for four. The collapse continued as Browne played on to Nicky Shaw and pace bowler Jenny Gunn (two for 19) took a wicket with her third ball to remove Sara McGlashan, sister of New Zealand men's international Peter.
New Zealand had a glimmer of hope when Sian Ruck bowled Edwards for nine. However, defending such a low score, they needed every catch to go to hand. But Claire Taylor had still to get off the mark when she edged Kate Pulford only for wicket-keeper Rachel Priest to drop the one-handed diving chance before the ball went for four.
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