Kent captain Charlotte Edwards led the England women as they claimed a five wicket victory over New Zealand in the first one-day international of the series.
After a rain delayed start England opted to bowl first restricting the hosts to 233 for six from their 50 overs. In reply, Charlotte Edwards top scored with 84 to lead England to victory with 10 balls to spare.
Sussex seamer Georgia Elwiss struck for the tourists having Lucy Doolan caught by Arran Brindle. Laura Marsh and Brindle continued to apply the pressure and claimed a wicket each as the hosts stumbled to 52 for three.
Sara McGlashan and Amy Satterthwaite took control for the White Ferns. The pair put on 71 for the fourth wicket before Elwiss claimed her second scalp of the day as Satterthwaite hit to Edwards at mid-wicket.
McGlashan (74) continued to dominate the middle overs with Anna Peterson – the pair added the second 71-run partnership of the innings – before Jenny Gunn returned for a second spell to first have Peterson caught behind and then rattle the stumps of McGlashan.
New Zealand set England a target of 234, which Edwards set about chasing down as she led the pursuit, hitting nine boundaries from the 107 balls she faced.
The England captain put on stands of 52 and 71 with Sarah Taylor and Kent’s Lydia Greenway respectively before she was finally trapped in front by Suzie Bates.
Greenway was caught at mid-wicket for 36 after making good use of the power-play with Laura Marsh, leaving England on 185 for four.
With 84 balls remaining, player of the match Marsh accelerated for the tourists, hitting 44 off 42 to demolish the target.
After Marsh was caught at mid-wicket, Brindle went on to knock off the runs with Gunn who finished unbeaten on 21 and two respectively.
Charlotte Edwards said: “I’m really pleased. I didn’t think we’d get a game in when I saw the weather this morning so credit to the groundsmen.
“Our bowling was a bit hit and miss today. It’s a good wicket so there was little margin for error but Jenny Gunn bowled exceptionally well and Georgia Elwiss put in a good performance as did Laura Marsh.
“We batted really well to chase the target down and all wanted to get in and personally I was really pleased to contribute with a decent score.
“I’m pleased with the win today. It’s good start to the series which we will be looking to follow up on Saturday.”
The second ODI of the series will be played at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln on Saturday.
Highlights of all matches can be viewed on the New Zealand Cricket website
England women match schedule
Saturday 3 March, 2nd ODI Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University 1030 (2130 Fri 2nd March GMT)
Monday 5 March, 3rd ODI Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University 1030 (2130 Sun 4th March GMT)