England have edged out a five wicket win over the White Ferns in the second match of the Twenty20 Tri-series at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
The White Ferns made 109 for six in the first innings, with captain Suzie Bates leading the way with 48. In response, English skipper Charlotte Edwards top scored with a knock of 42, while Tammy Beaumont came in and crunched an unbeaten 29 off 23 balls to complete the chase with five balls in hand.
The White Ferns put themselves in a strong position when they reduced England to 64 for four after 12 overs. Edwards remained however and along with Beaumont proceeded to take the game away from the White Ferns with a crucial 33 run partnership.
Just when it looked like England were cruising, Bates dismissed Edwards to make it 97 for five. While it slowed their progress momentarily, Beaumont and new batsman Danielle Wyatt steadily saw out the final runs to see their side to victory.
Earlier, Bates had combined with Sophie Devine (13) to get the White Ferns off to a strong start and be 59-1 after 11 overs. Though they kept wickets in hand, the White Ferns struggled to get on top of the English bowlers and with two overs remaining were 99 for three. They lost three further wickets and were held to just 10 more runs to give England the upper-hand at the close of the first innings.
Holly Colvin and Natalie Sciver were the chief wicket-takers for England with two scalps apiece.
England now play the West Indies on Saturday, before the White Ferns return to action against the West Indies on Monday.
