Washout stymies New Zealand hopes

New Zealand 258 for 9 (Martin 79, Mason 63) v England - match abandoned
Scorecard

New Zealand's hopes of getting back into the series were dealt a blow when the fourth ODI was washed out after they had piled up 258 for 9. They now head into the deciding game only able to draw the series which England leads 2-1 after losing the opener.

England captain Charlotte Edwards had initially won the toss and elected to field on what started as a warm, sunny morning in Lincoln. Haidee Tiffen is still injured for the hosts, so Aimee Mason continued to captain the side and she opened with keeper Katey Martin.

Together they posted 109 for the first wicket, hitting ten fours and one six. The hundred partnership came up from 89 balls in 59 minutes. After the first drinks' break Davies got the breakthrough England were desperate for as she bowled Mason for 68 on the first ball of the 17th over. She went onto complete a wicket maiden, the only maiden of England's innings as Sara McGlashan replaced Mason in the middle.

Edwards brought herself on in the 25th over and trapped McGlashan (12) leg before on the second ball of her second over and New Zealand were154 for 2. The home side continued to accumulate as the wind picked up and black clouds loomed overhead.

As the players took to the field after the interval, the rain started and play was abandoned without a ball being bowled in the second innings. The deciding match is on Monday.