CHARLOTTE Edwards hit 84 as England’s women won the first one-day international against New Zealand’s women at Lincoln by five wickets yesterday. Rain delayed the start of play at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval but once play got under way England hit a total of 233-6 off their 50 overs.
Sara McGlashan led the way for the hosts with a useful 74 before she was clean-bowled by Jenny Gunn, one of two wickets for the Nottingham all-rounder, while Georgia Elwiss also claimed two scalps with Arran Brindle and Laura Marsh bagging one each.
England began their run chase in solid fashion with opener Edwards helping them to reach 50 after 14.4 overs for the loss of just Tammy Beaumont, as she stayed at the crease until she was trapped leg-before by Suzie Bates, at which time England were placed in a winning position.
The final runs were knocked off with 10 balls remaining to get England off to a winning start in the three-match series.
Edwards said: “I’m really pleased. I didn’t think we’d get a game in when I saw the weather this morning so credit to the groundsmen.
“Our bowling was a bit hit and miss today. It’s a good wicket so there was little margin for error but Jenny Gunn bowled exceptionally well and Georgia Elwiss put in a good performance as did Laura Marsh.
“We batted really well to chase the target down and all wanted to get in and personally I was really pleased to contribute with a decent score. I’m pleased with the win today. It’s good start to the series which we will be looking to follow up tomorrow.”
The second ODI of the series will be played at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln tomorrow. (Eurosport)