Shrubsole sets up easy England win

A five-for from medium-pacer Anya Shrubsole helped England beat New Zealand by six wickets in the first women's T20 international in Wellington. Shrubsole picked up only the fourth haul of five wickets or more in women's T20 cricket, and the first in more than two years. With the support of Danni Hazell, who took 3 for 15, Shrubsole ran through the New Zealand batting after the visitors chose to field. She struck three times in the first six overs and nipped out two more in the 14th over to keep New Zealand to 80 in 20 overs. Kate Broadmore, with an unbeaten 27, was New Zealand's top-scorer.

England wobbled in their chase of a below-par score, and were in a tricky situation at 44 for 4 at one stage. But wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, who's also opened the batting for England in the past, steadied the innings at No.3, making an unbeaten 31. She was assisted in a 37-run stand by Tammy Beaumont, who was not out on 17. The match was won in 17.4 overs of the chase.

"We had a great start to the series today. We are all really pleased with our performance and to continue the momentum from our warm up games," Shrubsole said. "All the bowlers did well today and were backed up with some great fielding.

"I'm delighted with my figures and performance; it's definitely a day I will remember. I'm really excited about the rest of the series."