Nat Sciver stars as England cruise to seven-wicket victory over New Zealand

Nat Sciver stars with bat and ball

England cruised to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in their three-match T20 series.

Sent in to bat, New Zealand were dismissed for 96 off 19.4 overs, with the tourists achieving victory at 99 for three with four overs to spare.

England wasted no time in drawing first blood as Nat Sciver had New Zealand captain Sophie Devine caught for just two.

Sciver picked up her second almost immediately when Amy Satterthwaite was caught by Freya Davies for two.

Following that shaky start, New Zealand looked to have settled the ship as Hayley Jensen and Amelia Kerr began to build some momentum.

However they two were eventually dismissed in quick succession, leaving the hosts floundering on 38 for four.

The wickets continued to fall at a fast pace, with four England bowlers each claiming two scalps to restrict the home side to their modest total.

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Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt shared an opening stand of 59 for England before Wyatt fell to Leigh Kasperek.

That platform proved enough for the visitors to easily chase down New Zealand’s target off 16 overs, despite captain Heather Knight being run out for a duck.

The second match is scheduled for Friday.

PA

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