Chester-le-Street, England – May 10, 2026 – England secured a decisive victory in the first women's One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand today, beginning their three-match series with a dominant performance. The match, held at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, saw England successfully chase down New Zealand's total, with substantial contributions from their top order.
The series opener, a prelude to the upcoming T20 World Cup, commenced with England winning the toss and electing to bowl. New Zealand posted a total of 156 all out in 33.3 overs, with England's bowlers applying pressure throughout the innings. Key dismissals included Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, with Lauren Filer and Sophie Ecclestone among those instrumental in restricting New Zealand's score.
England's batting lineup then made light work of the target. Openers Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier laid a strong foundation, with Beaumont reaching a fifty and the pair quickly putting England in a commanding position. The hosts eventually secured the win with considerable wickets in hand, demonstrating a clear advantage in their head-to-head record against New Zealand, which now stands at 47 wins to New Zealand's 37.
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Squads and Leadership
England captain Charlie Dean is leading the side in the absence of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Dean, alongside experienced players like Amy Jones and Sophie Ecclestone, guided the team through the match. New Zealand's squad features key all-rounder Amelia Kerr, whose dual threat with bat and ball has been a notable aspect of her career, including a high score of 232 and best bowling figures of 7/34.
The series is being broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with live streaming available via the Sky Go app. For audiences in India, the matches are being streamed on Sony Liv and broadcast on the Sony Sports Network.
Context and Upcoming Matches
This three-match ODI series serves as a significant fixture for both teams, especially as it precedes the 2025 Women's World Cup, with England's participation in that tournament following their semifinal exit. The subsequent ODIs in the series are scheduled for May 13th and May 17th, offering New Zealand opportunities to regroup and challenge the home side. Previous encounters, such as an ODI in Wellington on April 1, 2024, saw England ultimately chase down a target set by New Zealand, indicating a pattern of competitive yet often England-favorable outcomes. The teams have also engaged in T20 series, with results like a win for New Zealand in the second T20I of a 2024 series highlighting the varied nature of their contests.
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