Charlotte Edward’s 70 led England to a one wicket win over the White Ferns in the first of five One-Day Internationals at Chelmsford.
After the White Ferns elected to bat first and made 231 for eight, England scrambled to victory on the third ball of the final over in a tense finish, to be 234 for nine.
The home side were cruising at 208 for five before the White Ferns fought back to take three wickets for 19 runs, including the scalp of Edwards, but a composed nine runs from tail-ender Katherine Brunt sealed the win.
Nicola Browne was the stand out bowler for the White Ferns taking three for 31, including the late wickets of Danielle Hazell and Holly Colvin as they pressed for the win. Spinner Lucy Doolan was also effective, snaring three for 41.
Earlier, the White Ferns total was constructed around Maria Fahey’s 61 off 106 but the lack of meaningful partnerships meant the innings didn’t have any real fluency.
Sophie Devine struck 50 off 65 and Amy Satterthwaite made 38 off 51 to ensure a competitive total was set.
England speedster, Brunt, proved to be the difference, taking three for 31 before producing a match winning knock with the bat.
Speaking after the match, coach, Gary Stead said: “We didn't have a significant partnership in our innings and we never grabbed the match by the scruff of the neck
“Maria Fahey anchored the innings well and Sophie Devine batted nicely for her 50 but we were about 30 runs short.
“A key point of the match was the batting power play where they took 56 off the five overs towards the end of their innings.
“Our fielding needs to improve considerably but we fought hard on a good batting wicket and a lightning outfield and if all the matches are going to be this close we will be in for a really great series.
“It was a much improved effort by the team since our Rose Bowl ODI series against Australia in the summer.
Schedule:
29/06/2010 England vs White Ferns - First Twenty20
County Ground, Chelmsford
Result: England won by 37 runs
1/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - Second Twenty20
Rose Bowl, Hampshire
Result: White Ferns won by 4 runs
2/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - Third Twenty20
County Ground, Hove
Result: White Ferns won by 9 runs
4/07/2010 Ireland vs White Ferns - ODI
Kibworth Cricket Club
9:45pm (NZ time)
Result: White Ferns won by 159 runs
7/07/2010 England Academy vs White Ferns - 50 over match
Kibworth Cricket Club
Result: White Ferns won by 6 wickets
10/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - First ODI
The County Ground, Taunton
Result: England won by 1 wicket
12/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - Second ODI
The County Ground, Taunton
9:45pm (NZ time)
15/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - Third ODI
County Ground, Derby
+1d 1:30am (NZ time)
17/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - Fourth ODI
Barnsley
9:45pm (NZ time)
20/07/2010 England vs White Ferns - Fifth ODI
Lord's, London
9:45pm (NZ time)
