A horror start and the lowest total in White Ferns history condemned the New Zealand women's side to an eight-wicket thumping in the first twenty20 international against England in Whangarei yesterday.
The England women cantered to the meagre total of 60 set by New Zealand with 8.2 overs to spare, leaving the host side with plenty to think about ahead of today's second match in the three-match series.
The White Ferns were on the back foot immediately after opting to bat, slumping to 11 for five, with Suzie Bates (3), Rachel Priest (0), Sara McGlashan (3), Sophie Devine (0) and Kate Broadsmore (0) all back in the pavilion by the sixth over.
Amy Satterthwaite's departure for 8 with the score at 18 for six meant the Ferns were on target for an unwanted record of the lowest total in women's twenty20 international history - 57, set by Sri Lanka in 2012 - but Erin Bermingham (20), Katie Perkins (8) and Morna Neilson (8 not out) ensured the Ferns avoided such shame.
Regardless, the total of 60 eclipsed the White Ferns' previous worst total of 69 set against Australian in Sydney in 2012.
Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole were the chief destroyers, taking three for 10 and three for six respectively, while captain Charlotte Edwards led the visitors' chase, scoring an unbeaten 32.
