Summary

  • England beat New Zealand by 59 runs to win first of five T20s in Southampton

  • White Ferns restricted to 138-9 with Sarah Glenn taking 3-16

  • Impressive England post 197-3 with Danni Wyatt making 76 off 51 balls & Nat Sciver-Brunt smashing 47 off 23 - watch some of the best shots

  • England played four frontline spinners as they build towards T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October

  • Listen to uninterrupted online-only commentary at top of page

  • Get involved: #bbccricket on X, via WhatsApp on 03301 231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

Live Reporting

Timothy Abraham & Ffion Wynne

  1. Melissa Story
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    A fantastic start for England and New Zealand looking a bit lost for answers at the moment.

  2. Eng 42-0

    So Kerr goes wider, and it's slapped through the covers!

    She's in some exquisite form.

  3. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Sounds

    Maia BouchierGetty Images

    England's opening pair haven't really been challenged so far. I like the freedom with which Maia Bouchier is playing. She's playing her shots.

  4. Eng 36-0

    Where do you bowl?

    Jess Kerr goes full and straight, and Bouchier lofts it down the ground with disdain.

  5. Eng 32-0

    Some good running sees England take three more from the over and it's been a great start to the powerplay.

  6. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Sounds

    Maia Bouchier is going to be world class. She is going to be one of England's best. We've seen Tammy Beaumont break records and I think Maia will do the same.

  7. Eng 29-0

    Timing!

    Bouchier slaps one through the covers, making the most of Lea Tahuhu's extra pace.

  8. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Sounds

    Danni WyattPA Media

    Danni Wyatt just caresses that into the offside. She doesn't overhit it, and just places it perfectly for four. England are totally in control and New Zealand are going to have to find a way to break this partnership.

  9. Eng 25-0

    The bowling changes keep coming as Jess Kerr, with her hooping in-swingers, comes into the attack.

    She starts well but gives it away with a full toss outside off stump and that's more easy pickings for Wyatt, slashing it for four.

    There's an lbw shout to end the over, but it's done too much and is comfortably missing leg stump.

  10. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Sounds

    Sophie DevineGetty Images

    When you look at this New Zealand team, there is so much pressure on Sophie Devine as a bowler, batter and leader. She's the one you look at as a team and think you have to go after her early.

  11. Eng 19-0

    Four more.

    A deft touch from Bouchier, playing the ball late down to deep third for four. Both batters are looking comfortable so far.

  12. Eng 13-0

    New Zealand turn to seam, and Sophie Devine is greeted by an uppish drive for four by Danni Wyatt.

    It's very, very windy out there which is something for both sides to consider, but the outfield is rapid and the pitch looks decent.

  13. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Sounds

    Danni Wyatt plays a shotGetty Images

    Short and wide in the powerplay to Danni Wyatt and Maia Bouchier. That's never going to end well for the bowler.

  14. Eng 9-0

    Same ball, same shot, different batter.

    Maia Bouchier also gets off the mark with a boundary. Positive start from England.

  15. Eng 4-0

    Short, wide and cut away for four.

    A poor start from spinner Fran Jonas to start proceedings and Danni Wyatt is not missing out on that.

  16. Frankie Mackay
    Ex-New Zealand all-rounder on BBC Sounds

    It looks stunning here. The sun has come out and the ground looks a picture.

  17. Maia Bouchier was named player of the series for the ODIs, with 186 runs in three innings including her first century. She's opening again today but with a different partner in Danni Wyatt, who wasn't needed with the bat in the whole series so will be desperate for some time in the middle.

    It is also England's first time batting first in the series so far, and there are a few changes for New Zealand's bowling attack, notably experienced seamer Lea Tahuhu returning after the birth of her second child.

  18. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Sounds

    When Sophie Devine gets going she can win you a game from anywhere. England have been really good in the ODIs and could easily go into the T20 World Cup without losing a game this summer.

    England are on a roll and that can be great, but if it goes the other way they can collapse.

  19. Frankie Mackay
    Ex-New Zealand all-rounder on BBC Sounds

    There will be some differences from New Zealand today. The shorter the format gets the easier it gets for the side trying to get on terms. Every game they are getting better and better.

  20. There's a lot to unpack from that England team!

    Heather Knight said before the series started that they were going to experiment, they weren't afraid to look ahead to the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as opposed to the conditions in front of them.

    But four frontline spinners, plus Alice Capsey, with all-rounders Nat Sciver-Brunt and Freya Kemp offering the only seam options! Wild.

    I'm not quite sure what I think of it yet, to be completely honest.