New Zealand level ODI series against England as rain wreaks havoc in Cardiff
England were put in to bat and reached 77-3 in 17 overs before rain stopped play for two-and-a-half hours at Sophia Gardens.
The players returned to contest a reduced 33-overs-a-side game, with England reaching 181-7 at the end of their innings, Alice Capsey top-scoring with a run-a-ball 45.
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New Zealand's pursuit of a DLS-adjusted 184 for victory looked to have been derailed when Suzie Bates, Melie Kerr and Georgia Plimmer all fell lbw to Lauren Bell (3-29).
But a 57-run partnership between Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday helped the White Ferns rally from 40-3 to edge ahead of the par DLS score 20 overs into their chase.
New Zealand were 141-4, needing 43 off 50 balls, when rain stopped play for a second time. With the weather showing no sign of easing, the inevitable was confirmed and the tourists were awarded victory.
T20 World Cup the focus for England and New Zealand
Following the conclusion of the ODI series England and New Zealand now meet in three T20 internationals, starting in Derby on May 20 ahead of further games at Canterbury (May 23) and Hove (May 25).
England will also play three T20 internationals versus India before beginning their home T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday June 12.
The hosts will hope to have regular skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt back well before then, with the all-rounder currently sitting out the New Zealand ODIs with a minor calf issue.
England have not won the T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition on home soil in 2009 and were knocked out in the group stage at the last edition, in the UAE in 2024.
New Zealand are the reigning Women's T20 World Cup champions, claiming a first title two years ago with a 32-run victory over South Africa in the Dubai final.
England vs New Zealand series results/fixtures
- First ODI (Durham) - England won by one wicket
- Second ODI (Northampton) - Abandoned
- Third ODI (Cardiff) - New Zealand won by 17 runs (DLS)
- First T20 (Wednesday May 20) - The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby (6.30pm)
- Second T20 (Saturday May 23) - The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury (2.30pm)
- Third T20 (Monday May 25) - The 1st Central County Ground, Hove (2.30pm)
Watch England's first T20 international against New Zealand, in Derby, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6pm on Wednesday (6.30pm first ball). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
