England beat New Zealand in first T20 as Alice Capsey hits unbeaten 74
England began their home T20 World Cup preparations on Wednesday with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Derby, driven by a brilliant unbeaten half-century from Alice Capsey.
Chasing a target of 137, the home side cruised to victory with 16 balls to spare to take an early lead in the three-match series.
The 21-year-old was promoted to open the batting in the absence of regular opener Danni Wyatt Hodge and fully capitalised on the opportunity.
She smashed seven fours and three sixes during an explosive 51-ball knock, registering her highest score in international T20 cricket.
Kemp provides crucial late support
After sharing a 43-run partnership with former captain Heather Knight, the dynamic opener combined effortlessly with Freya Kemp.
Kemp blasted an unbeaten 31 from just 20 deliveries to ensure the hosts comfortably overhauled the White Ferns’ total.
Earlier in the evening, Lauren Bell set an aggressive tone for the hosts by bowling Georgia Plimmer with the very first delivery of the match.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith delivered an incredibly economical spell of 1-10, while stand-in captain Charlie Dean claimed two crucial wickets.
Devine fires but England restrict tourists
Dean is currently leading the side while regular skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt battles a calf injury ahead of the global tournament.
The tourists were restricted to 136-7 despite a blistering 45 off 22 balls from Sophie Devine, who launched four massive leg-side sixes.
Three of those maximums came during a surprisingly expensive spell from Sophie Ecclestone, who conceded 34 runs across three wicketless overs.
England will face New Zealand again at Canterbury on Saturday before concluding the series at Hove on Bank Holiday Monday.
The hosts then play India in three further fixtures before launching their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12.