England captain Charlotte Edwards hit 40 not out to guide her team to a convincing eight wicket win over the White Ferns in the opening match of the Quadrangular series at Chelmsford, England.
The White Ferns were bundled out for 83 in 19.3 overs with opener Suzie Bates striking 19 to be the best of the batsmen. The England reply was ruthless as they marched to 86 for two in the fourteenth over.
Edwards won the toss and asked the White Ferns to bat with her bowling attack taking full advantage of some early movement.
Left-arm spinner Holy Colvin did most of the damage as she removed three of the top four batsmen to return figures of three for 17 while medium pacer Arran Brindle picked up late wickets to finish with three for 11.
White Ferns new ball bowler Sian Ruck was tidy, taking one for 17 off four overs, but the attack never looked like defending the small total.
England opener Laura Marsh hit 24 in support of her captains unbeaten 40.
The White Ferns next match is against India at Clifton College Close Ground on Sunday 25 June.
Quadrangular Series in England Schedule
23/06/2011 White Ferns vs England Women - Twenty-20
County Ground, Chelmsford
Result: England won by 8 wickets
25/06/2011 White Ferns vs Indian Women - Twenty-20
Clifton College Close Ground
26/06/2011 White Ferns vs Australian Women - Twenty-20
Taunton Vale, Taunton
27/06/2011 – Twenty20 Final
30/06/2011 White Ferns vs Australian Women - ODI
Queen's Park, Chesterfield
2/07/2011 White Ferns vs England Women - ODI
County Ground, Derby
5/07/2011 White Ferns vs Indian Women - ODI
John Walker's Ground, Southgate
7/07/2011 – One-Day International Final
