England women cruised to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in their three-match T20 series.
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Sent in to bat, New Zealand were dismissed for 96 off 19.4 overs, with the tourists achieving victory at 3-99 with 24 balls to spare.
England wasted no time in drawing first blood as Natalie Sciver had New Zealand captain Sophie Devine caught for just two.
Sciver picked up her second almost immediately when Amy Satterthwaite was caught by Freya Davies for two.
Following that horror start, New Zealand looked to have settled the ship as Hayley Jensen and Amelia Kerr began to build some momentum.
But they too were eventually dismissed in quick succession, leaving the hosts floundering on 4-38.
The wickets continued to fall at a fast pace with four England bowlers each claiming two scalps each to restrict the home side to their modest total.
England's Tamsin Beaumont (25), who played for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, and Danni Wyatt (33) were clinical in their opening effort at the crease, racing to 59 before Wyatt finally fell to Leigh Kasperek.
However, that platform was ultimately enough for the visitors to easily chase down New Zealand's target off just 16 overs.
The only flaw in England's otherwise-clinical innings was captain Heather Knight being run out for a duck.
The second match is scheduled for Friday.
Australian Associated Press
