England head into Saturday’s ICC Women’s World Cup opener on the back of two warm-up wins after a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in Derby on Wednesday 21 June.
Wickets throughout the bowling unit, including three for Laura Marsh and two for Anya Shrubsole, helped England dismiss New Zealand for 130.
An unbeaten 51 from Tammy Beaumont and a quickfire 38 from Natalie Sciver took England to victory inside 28 overs, completing their competitive preparations ahead of eagerly anticipated tournament opener against India in Derby on Saturday 24 June.
After the White Ferns won the toss and elected to bat, England struck in the second over, Rachel Priest caught by Georgia Elwiss off Shrubsole for four.
The opening bowler then had her second as Suzie Bates was caught by Danielle Wyatt for nine, and soon New Zealand were 95-5 after wickets from Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell and Alex Hartley.
England continued to take wickets at regular intervals and despite resistance from Katey Martin, New Zealand were all out for 130 in the 39th over, the last five batsmen out for single figures.
Leading the England chase, Lauren Winfield got the innings off to a quick start, hitting 27 from 28 balls before retiring out.
Sciver added 38 before she was out to Lea Tahuhu, caught by Katie Perkins. Wyatt was caught by the same fielder without scoring off the bowling of Leigh Kasperek but England remained in control.
Fran Wilson was eight not out and Beaumont anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 51, including seven fours, as England hit 132-3 to win and carry momentum into the opener against India on Saturday in Derby; 10.30am start.
For more information about ICC Women’s World Cup, please call 01332 388 101 or email [email protected].
