England have shown why they're the world's No.2 T20 side with a comprehensive victory over New Zealand in the opening game of their three-match series at Wellington's Sky Stadium.
The visitors produced a near-perfect performance with the bat, ball and in the field to cruise to a seven-wicket win, with 24 balls to spare.
England won the toss and sent the home side in to bat on a slow 'Cake Tin' wicket.
The White Ferns were in trouble from the outset, losing captain Sophie Devine (2) and vice-captain Amy Satterthwaite (2) inside the first four overs.
The Kiwis lost wickets throughout and never built any partnerships during their innings, with only wicketkeeper Katey Martin (36) putting up any fight.
Only three other batters reached double figures, as the Kiwis limped to 96 - bowled out in the final over.
Spin was the key for the English, with their accomplished trio providing tight bowling and picking up wickets consistently. Wickets were shared around, with Katherine Brunt (2/13), Natalie Sciver (2/28), Sophie Ecclestone (2/18) and Sarah Glenn (2/11) all chipping in.
In reply, an England victory never looked in any doubt, as openers Tammy Beaumont (25) and Danni Wyatt (33) combined for an opening stand of 59 to have their side off to a flyer.
The White Ferns rallied in the middle part of the innings, grabbing three wickets for just eight runs, but Sciver (267) and Amy Jones (12) saw the tourists home comfortably.
The two sides will be back in action Friday for the second T20, again at Wellington.
England 99/3 (Wyatt 33, Sciver 26no, Beaumont 25, Kasperek 2/24) White Ferns 96 (Martin 36, A Kerr 14, Glenn 2/11, Brunt 2/13)
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