(Reuters) – England managed to secure a four-wicket win over New Zealand in Wellington in the first one-day international of a three-match series, thanks to a remarkable seventh-wicket partnership between Amy Jones and Charlie Dean.
Having been asked to bat first, New Zealand set a target of 207 runs and initially put England in trouble by taking wickets steadily, leaving them at a precarious 79-6.
However, Jones, who remained unbeaten on 92, and Dean, with 42 not out, came together to form an unbeaten partnership of 130 runs, surpassing the previous record stand for the seventh wicket in women’s ODIs.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Jones highlighted the importance of staying focused on each ball and playing freely, which ultimately led to their successful rescue mission for England.
The two teams are set to face off again in the second ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand on Thursday, with England looking to build on their positive start to the series.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
