Cricket: White Ferns reach T20 final after comfortable win over South Africa

New Zealand have eased into the T20 tri-series cricket final in England, but doubts remain over their ability to win the tournament, having twice lost to the hosts - their final opponents - in pool play.

The White Ferns completed an eight-wicket win over South Africa in Bristol to confirm their place in the decider on Monday morning at Chelmsford.

New Zealand chased down 149 in the 16th over.

Hayley Jensen and Amelia Kerr picked up two wickets each, while half-centuries from Suzie Bates (62) and Sophie Devine (68 not out) set up the victory in an opening partnership of 130.

The White Ferns played England next in their double header, losing by seven wickets.

New Zealand were bowled out in the 19th over for 129. Devine again top-scored with 52 - but only two others made double figures.

England's Anya Shrubsole – the woman-of-the-match with six wickets for 46 runs in last year's World Cup 50-over final - took three for 16.

The hosts were relatively untroubled in the chase, reaching 130 for three in the 16th over.

Bates, who became the first White Fern and second woman to play 100 T20 internationals, said their start was too slow.

"Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine's partnership [of 59 from 40 balls for the third wicket] got us back in the game, but we didn't play smart enough cricket with Sophie at the end.

"We were 20 runs short. That made it difficult with the ball, even though the wicket had a bit in it.

"It was disappointing not to bat our full 20 [overs]… that made it difficult for Sophie to kick on."

Bates said the double-header had little impact on their energy levels, given they play 50-over cricket on a regular basis.

"It wasn't about being tired. We got frustrated with the ball and tried too many things."​