Unbeaten half centuries from Suzie Bates and Maria Fahey helped the White Ferns to a comfortable six wicket win over the England Academy in the one-off 50-over match at Kibworth Cricket Club in England.
England Academy were put into bat and managed 188 before being bowled out with two balls to spare with the White Ferns reaching the target in the 36th overs.
With Aimee Watkins rested, Suzie Bates was handed the captaincy with the talented all-rounder leading from the front with a classey 58. Bates was supported by Maria Fahey who struck 53 as the pair put on 103 runs for the second wicket before both being retired.
Earlier, it was the Amy Satterthwaite seamers who terrorised the English, taking four for 39 while Nicola Browne, Lucy Doolan, Kate Broadmore and Bates chipping in with one apiece.
“White Ferns Coach, Gary Stead, said after the game: “It was a very comprehensive win and it was pleasing to see our consistency with bat and ball.
“Browne bowled well up front and Bates fielded and bowled well taking two excellent catches.
“We had a positive start to our innings by Dodd and Fahey then Fahey and Bates put on over 100 for the second wicket.
“It was good to see the top order bat positively and Bates captained the team well in her captaincy debut at this level.”
England Academy 188 in 49.4 overs (Satterthwaite 4/39, Browne 1/12, Doolan 1/20, Bates 1/19, Broadmore 1/36) lost to Whtie Ferns192/4 35/3 overs (Dodd 23 off 26 balls, Fahey 53 retired off 88 balls, Bates 58 retired off 67 balls, Satterthwaite 20 off 21 balls, McGlashan 10* 12 balls, Browne 4*off 1 ball)
