London, May 17 -- Veteran New Zealand batter Suzie Bates brought the curtain down on her illustrious ODI career with a victory as New Zealand defeated England by 17 runs via the DLS method in the third and final ODI to level the series 1-1.

This win will strengthen the White Ferns' preparations for their ICC Women's T20 World Cup title defence.

Playing her 183rd and final ODI after a 20-year international journey, Bates scored 12 off 15 balls with two boundaries before being trapped LBW by Lauren Bell. The modest farewell knock, however, ended on a winning note as New Zealand bounced back after a narrow defeat in the opening game and a rain-abandoned second match.

The result also boosted New Zealand's standing in the ICC Women's Champi...