Only the Australian Alyssa Healy has scored more runs in ODI cricket than Tammy Beaumont since January 2019
| New Zealand 178 (45.1 overs): Jensen 53 (58), Farrant 2-31, Ecclestone 2-36 |
| England 181-2 (33.4 overs): Beaumont 72 (86), Knight 67 (69), Jensen 1-18 |
| England won by eight wickets |
| Scorecard |
England recorded a comfortable eight-wicket win over New Zealand in their first one-day international in more than a year.
Tammy Beaumont made 72 and Captain Heather Knight an unbeaten 67 as they anchored England’s chase.
The tourists secured victory at Hagley Oval with 98 balls remaining.
The second game of the two-game series will take place on Thursday in Dunedin (22:00 GMT).
“England was clinical,” English World Champion Alex Hartley told BT Sport.
“Every single bowler went out there and did their job.”
All-round England is building on the World Cup
England couldn’t have asked for a better all-round performance as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in New Zealand in just over a year.
You have not played a one-day international match since December 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic – your longest run without a 50-over match since 1997.
One criticism of England was the reliance on certain bowlers, but after being asked to line up first, they showed a controlled performance to dry out the runs and the seven bowlers used were shared with wickets.
The left-wing Farrant claimed two wickets in their first ODI since 2013 and fired the key players Amy Sattherwaite and Lea Tahuhu.
Sophie Ecclestone took two wickets in two balls with her left arm while Nat Sciver sacked outstanding player Sophie Devine.
With the bat, England was clinical. Beaumont and Knight recorded their fourth 50 partnership in their last five ODI innings, with both players showing a simple ability to manipulate the ball on the field.
Beaumont fell with 43 runs left, but Knight simply accelerated, hitting seven fours and a six in their 69-ball innings.
You will face stronger opposition than New Zealand, which has lost its last 10 ODIs, but it’s a positive start for Knight’s side.
