Amy Jones hit an unbeaten 92 as England Women began their ODI series with a four-wicket victory against New Zealand at the Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Heather Knight’s side needed 208 to win and were 79-6 before a record unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 130 between Jones and Charlie Dean sealed victory.
A fine bowling effort saw the White Ferns all out for 207 courtesy of Lauren Bell and Dean (three wickets apiece), Kate Cross (two wickets), and contributions from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone (one wicket each).
Off-spinner Dean also became the fastest woman to 50 ODI wickets, a record that has stood since 1987.
Suzie Bates scored a half century before being bowled by Dean and caught by wicketkeeper Jones. Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer were bowled lbw by the impressive Cross.
England’s batting innings saw opener Tammy Beaumont dismissed early by Jess Kerr with experienced duo Knight and Sciver-Brunt scoring 12 runs each as the tourists struggled to find rhythm.
White Ferns captain Amelia Kerr bowled Alice Capsey lbw before dismissing Danni Wyatt.
Then came Jones and Dean’s impressive partnership to spearhead England’s recovery and a 209-6 finish.
The two teams now travel to Hamilton to contest the final two ODI matches, the first on Thursday.