White Ferns go down in one-wicket thriller to England in opening ODI

The White Ferns have fallen just short of a winning start to their three-match ODI series against England, going down by one wicket at Chester-le-Street.

Chasing 211 for victory, England were 160 for seven before captain Charlie Dean played a key role to get them home.

Dean finished with 31 from 46 balls as she and England No 11 Tilly Corteen-Coleman, an 18-year-old debutant, needed 10 runs from the final partnership to secure victory with 10 balls to spare.

Nensi Patel dropped Dean at backward point which would have completed a six-run victory for New Zealand. A late review for LBW was also turned down by the third umpire. Not batting their full 50 overs also proved costly for the White Ferns who were bowled out with eight balls to spare.

Batting first, Maddy Green top-scored for New Zealand with 88 from 107 balls, including a 105-run partnership with Amelia Kerr (55) to be sitting in a strong position at the 34-over mark. But the White Ferns collapsed from 147 for two to be bowled out for 210 - losing their last five wickets for just seven runs.

In the chase, Maia Bouchier was the best for the home side with 59 from 69 balls but when she fell at 160-7, the door was open for New Zealand to close out the win only for stand-in captain Dean to drag England home.

Rosemary Mair was the best of the White Ferns bowlers with 3-42, including a run-out.

“Think the wicket was a bit slow, we thought 250 would be a good score. We were set up to do that but unfortunately lost wickets at the back end. Fought hard with the ball to take it deep,” captain Amelia Kerr said after the match.

“Two big moments, with a bit more scoreboard pressure we could have cruised it. We have to learn and be better. Thought our bowlers were outstanding. Fielded well, a bit bumpy out there, too. Mistakes happen, it’s part of the game. The bowlers are in a good place, myself not included.

“We’ve played more cricket than England, came off a series in April, so in a really good place as a group. To take it as deep as we did shows fight and character. Being out in the middle is the best practice, different format but great prep for the WC.”

The second ODI in is Northampton on Thursday.