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The first Women’s ODI between New Zealand and England took place at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington on April 01. The contest saw domination from the visitors as they ended up claiming a comfortable victory by 4 wickets.
Charlie Dean, Lauren Bell sizzle with the ball
England Women, led by Heather Knight, won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that set the tone for an intense battle on the field. New Zealand Women, captained by Suzie Bates, commenced their innings with determination. Despite some early setbacks, they managed to post a competitive total of 207 runs before being all out in 48.2 overs.
Skipper Bates led from the front with a resilient half-century, while contributions from Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Amelia Kerr, and others bolstered the innings. However, the English bowling attack, spearheaded by Kate Cross and supported by Lauren Bell, Natalie Sciver, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlotte Dean, showcased discipline and skill, restricting the hosts from running away with a formidable total.
Amy Jones’ stunning knock takes England over the finish line
In response, England Women faced an initial hiccup, losing early wickets, including that of Tammy Beaumont, without much on the scoreboard. However, Amy Jones emerged as the cornerstone of their innings with a spectacular knock of 92 runs, supported ably by Maia Bouchier and Dean. Despite the late flourish from the Kiwi bowlers, England Women managed to chase down the target with four wickets in hand and 41.2 overs to spare.
Both teams displayed commendable skills and determination, providing cricket fans with an enthralling contest. Jones’ stellar performance with the bat played a pivotal role in securing the victory for England Women in the opening encounter of the series.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Great partnership this by Amy Jones & Charlie Dean . Extremely well played #NZvENG
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) April 1, 2024
Amy Jones and Charlie Dean have put together 130*, the highest seven-wicket partnership in women's ODIs, to help England recover from 6/79 and chase the 208-run target against New Zealand in Wellington.#NZvENG
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) April 1, 2024
It may not technically be her career best, but that was by far the best innings of Amy Jones' career.
— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) April 1, 2024
Massively disappointing result after having them in huge amounts of shit at 80/6, but what a performance from Amy Jones with brilliant support from Charlie Dean. Take nothing away from them, sensational effort from players who seem to love playing. #Whiteferns #NZvEng
— Simon Wood (@WoodOnWineNZ) April 1, 2024
Exceptional from Amy Jones, who has the game to play like that so much more often. But a word for Charlie Dean, who's great in those situations. One boundary in her 42* – properly gets the role, knows her limitations, and just fed Jones the strike superbly.
— Nick Friend (@NickFriend1) April 1, 2024
You know it's looking bad when the White Fern and her family sitting next to you on the bank pack up and leave before the game is over #NZvENG
— Asher Wilson-Goldman (@AsherGoldman) April 1, 2024
Jheez that’s some delivery from Lauren Bell. That’s just unfair to the tailenders! #NZvENG
— Jacob Smith (@JacobWSmith10) April 1, 2024
To finish with figures of
10 overs
3 Maidens
2 – 24That is one hell of a game back in Full England colours for @katecross16 #NZvENG https://t.co/MWtfDeiYis
— Jack Rule (@JackRuleLD) April 1, 2024
AMY JONES. THAT'S IT. THAT'S THE TWEET. 😤😮💨 #NZvENG
— crickbugg (@crickbugg) April 1, 2024
Massive respect to Amy Jones and Charlie Dean, what an innings. @englandcricket @TheBarmyArmy
— Daniel (@DanielStonhill) April 1, 2024