Impressive England Take Six-Wicket T20 Victory

Impressive England Take Six-Wicket T20 Victory

Sarah Taylor guided England to victory with an unbeaten 31

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England Women 81-4 (Taylor 31no) beat
New Zealand Women 80-9 by six wickets
First Twenty20 International, Wellington
Scorecard

England Women continued their perfect record since arriving in New Zealand with a convincing six-wicket win over New Zealand Women in the first Twenty20 International in Wellington.

After the home side managed to reach just 80 for nine from 20 overs, England raced to their victory target in 17.4 overs in a low-scoring game.

Anya Shrubsole returned career-best figures of five for 11 to rip through New Zealand's batting and all five of her dismissals were bowled.

Suzie Bates (10), Sara McGlashan (9), Katie Perkins (1), Katey Martin (9) and Morna Nielsen (0) all fell to pacer Shrubsole while off-spinner Danielle Hazell picked up three for 15.

In reply, Sian Ruck struck quickly to remove Laura Marsh for four and Lydia Greenway without scoring as England also found run-scoring difficult.

Charlotte Edwards (19) and Sarah Taylor (31 not out) needed all of their experience to bat their side back into a strong position but New Zealand hit back once more when Lea Tuhahu had Edwards caught by McGlashan and Kate Broadmore bowled Arran Brindle for six.

However, Taylor, who faced 34 balls and hit four fours, led England to victory accompanied by Tamsin Beaumont, who scored 17 not out in 28 deliveries.

The second of three matches is in Hamilton on Sunday (19th February).

© Cricket World 2012