England Women thrash New Zealand in first ODI for more than a year as Tammy Beaumont stars

Tammy Beaumont (71) and captain Heather Knight (67 not out) fired the tourists to the winning target in just 33.4 overs

Sports Staff
Tuesday 23 February 2021 10:44 GMT
Comments
Tammy Beaumont bats during ODI against New Zealand
Tammy Beaumont bats during ODI against New Zealand (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England Women cruised to an eight-wicket victory against New Zealand in their first 50-over international in more than a year.

Tammy Beaumont (71) and captain Heather Knight (67 not out) fired the tourists to the winning target in just 33.4 overs, having skittled out their hosts for 178 at Christchurch's Hagley Oval. The victory puts England 1-0 up in the three-match series.

England, back in action in the ODI arena for the first time since playing Pakistan in December 2019, lost the toss. New Zealand elected to bat, but despite being deprived of Anya Shrubsole's services – sidelined from the tour with a knee injury – England were soon on the front foot after Tash Farrant and Katherine Brunt both struck inside the opening 10 overs.

Hayley Jensen provided New Zealand with some hope after she claimed her first maiden ODI half-century, but her dismissal by Sarah Glenn left the hosts on a precarious 94 for four. Brooke Halliday registered 50 from 54 deliveries in her first ODI appearance before she was the last woman dismissed – run out by Danni Wyatt – with the White Ferns' innings ending after 45.1 overs.

In reply, Wyatt's wicket fell in the eighth over after she registered 17. But Beaumont and Knight steadied the ship, with the former making 50 from 67 balls - her 10th ODI half-century – before she was caught behind off Lea Tahuhu's delivery. Knight then reached her 20th ODI 50 in 58 balls, with Nat Sciver (21no) hitting the match-winning boundary in a crushing triumph for the tourists.

The sides will meet in Dunedin on Friday with England bidding to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in