England were in emphatic form as they bowled New Zealand out for just 60 before reaching their target with 50 balls to spare at the cost of just two wickets. All rounder Heather Knight and fast bowler Anya Shrubsole starred with the ball as England responded after the disappointment of losing two out of three previous ODI's to start well in the run of three T20's.
After five overs, New Zealand had lost 4 wickets for just 10 runs after Knight, who only took up spin bowling properly in the Summer, took 3 wickets for 2 runs (before finishing with figures of 3-10). At 18-6, the Kiwis were at risk of recording the lowest total in a Women's International Twenty20 match, after Bangladesh bowled Sri Lanka out for 57 in 2012. Katie Perkins and Erin Bermingham were able to see New Zealand through the next few overs without losing a wicket, but England captain Charlotte Edwards brought in Shrubsole who got Perkins caught superbly by Lydia Greenway and then the new batter Lea Tahuhu out for three caught by Nat Sciver.
Bermingham continued and became the only Kiwi to pass double figures, reaching 20 before she played across the line to Laura Marsh leaving the hosts seriously struggling on 55-9. They managed to limb to 60 before Shrubsole tidied up the innings taking her third wicket, ending with figures of 3-6.
In response, England always looked comfortable chasing such a low score. And despite the loss of opener Lauren Winfield for just 3, Edwards looked confident as she guided her team home ending on 32 from 34 balls. Sarah Taylor couldn't last out the innings, being caught behind by Rachel Priest off the bowling of Georgia Guy, but Sciver came it to see the game home with her captain. England next play in the second T20 on Friday at the same venue before moving onto Lincoln for the final Twenty20 and two further ODI's.
Spinner Danielle Hazel, who took 2-12 from four overs, spoke about England's turnaround, "It was a pretty good win for us today, we're looking to bounce back from the one-day internatonals and it's a really good perormance from the girls. I think we've played a lot of T20 over the last few years - it's quite a successful game for us, we reallly enjoy that format of the game - so it's just about getting out there, enjoying ourselves, and really putting in a good performance."
Highlights of the 8 wicket victory. [From Official England Cricket YouTube Channel]