England Women Secure Victory Over New Zealand in Wellington with Record-Breaking Partnership

England Women’s cricket team secured a thrilling victory against New Zealand in Wellington, thanks to an outstanding performance by Amy Jones and Charlie Dean. Jones’ explosive 92 runs off 83 balls, coupled with Dean’s unbeaten 42, led to a remarkable 130-run partnership for the seventh wicket – the highest in women’s ODIs, breaking the previous record.

The match started with New Zealand setting a target of 207 runs, with Dean, Cross, and Bell leading the bowling attack for England. Despite a strong start by the hosts, England found themselves struggling at 79-6 during their chase. However, Jones and Dean’s partnership turned the game around, guiding England to a thrilling victory with four wickets in hand and 52 balls remaining.

Jones, who had not scored an international fifty in 28 innings across all formats since December 2022, credited her mental refresh for her match-winning performance. She emphasized the importance of decluttering her mind and focusing on the basics, which allowed her to shine in the crucial match.

Reflecting on her innings, Jones highlighted the significance of staying in the moment and reacting to the ball, rather than feeling the pressure to force boundaries. The partnership with Dean proved to be a game-changer for England, showcasing their resilience and determination to secure the win.

With this victory, England Women have set the tone for the series, with the teams now gearing up for the second ODI in Hamilton. Cricket fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Cricket, as the excitement continues to unfold in this thrilling contest between England and New Zealand.