England batted first and set New Zealand women a target of 198. Danni Wyatt made 62 while a late hand by Tash Farrant pulled England close to 200 after the team lost nine wickets under 150. New Zealand fell short by 13 runs as the target and overs got reduced due to rain.
New Zealand began in a formidable manner with Suzie Bates and Lauren Down opening up a forty-run first wicket partnership, Cross removed Bates when she made 28 runs to initiate a mini-collapse. Then England scooped up four wickets within 45 runs reducing New Zealand to 85/4. Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday tried to keep things going but when the score reached 111/4, rain arrived.
As per the DLS method, the requirement got cut down to 183 in 42 overs. Sophie Devine got bowled by Sciver at 115 as the rain seemed to have interrupted her rhythm. From there on, Charlotte Dean took control of the game for England and claimed the next four wickets, bowling flighted deliveries and turning the ball a bit. New Zealand lost nine for 161 and with 22 still to get, Lea Tahuhu didn’t last long either and the English bowlers wrapped up the innings at 169.
Charlotte Dean finished with figures of four for 36 but Danni Wyatt received Player of the Match for her fantastic performance with the bat. England has now taken a two-nil lead with three ODIs still to be played.
