England Women continued their formidable form in New Zealand, building on their 4-0 victory in the Twenty20 series by winning the opening one-day international by five wickets at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval. Charlotte Edwards led England's chase, scoring 84 to help them achieve the target of 234 with 10 balls to spare.
The start of the match was delayed by a wet outfield but no overs were lost, and England asked New Zealand to bat. The hosts scored steadily but lost wickets and, at 52 for 3 in the 13th over, England held the edge. Amy Satterthwaite and Sara McGlashan, however, steadied the innings with a 71-run stand. McGlashan went on to make 74, the top score of New Zealand's innings, and Katie Perkins scored 24 off 16 balls at the death to lift her team to 233 for 6.
England's chase was steady until Tammy Beaumont fell in the 10th over, with the score on 33 for 1. Edwards held the innings together, with partnerships of 52 with Sarah Taylor and 71 with Lydia Greenway. Edwards was dismissed with the score on 156 in the 36th over, and Laura Marsh scored 44 off 42 balls to take England to the verge of victory. Arran Brindle was unbeaten on 21 off 19 deliveries when the winning runs were scored.
"Our bowling was a bit hit and miss today," England captain Charlotte Edwards said. "It was 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."