England build for Cricket World Cup with all-round excellence in NZ victory

It might have been their first one-day international since 2019 but England showed few signs of rust in an eight-wicket thrashing of New Zealand in Christchurch.

With the side due to return down under for the Cricket World Cup next year, it was a particularly pleasing performance with strong displays shared throughout the team.

For the first time, seven different bowlers shared the wickets as the home side were bowled out for 178 in the 46th over. The returning Tash Farrant marked her first cap since her central contract was cancelled two years ago with figures of two for 31. 

In reply, Tammy Beaumont scored 72, sharing a stand of 94 with captain Heather Knight who finished unbeaten on 67.

The second match in the series starts at 10pm UK time on Thursday evening.