England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in their one-day international series against New Zealand with a 56-run win in the second match in Hamilton.
After being dismissed for a duck in the first match on Monday, the opener Tammy Beaumont bounced back with a stellar 81 to get England off to a hot start to the contest at Seddon Park.
Once Maia Bouchier was caught by Hannah Rowe for 20, the England captain, Heather Knight, set about building an intimidating target alongside Beaumont.
The pair combined for 70 runs before Knight was dismissed for 37 by Jess Kerr.
Beaumont was not fazed, however, continuing to belt boundaries despite the quick exits of Nat Sciver-Brunt (two) and Alice Capsey (six). Beaumont lifted England to 158 for five before she was finally dismissed by Rowe.
Amy Jones took the baton from there, contributing 48 from 40 balls, including seven fours, as England set a lofty target of 253.
Despite a staunch 57 from Brooke Halliday and a blistering 47 off 48 balls from Izzy Gaze, New Zealand’s batters were unable to threaten England’s score, ultimately being bowled out for 196.
Sciver-Brunt led the way for England’s bowlers with three wickets from her seven overs. The final match of the series takes place on Sunday.
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Beaumont said: “I was getting a bit frustrated but I got to 50 then tried to kick on and play catch up somewhat.
“My dad is probably sat at home saying it’s criminal that I got out on 81 and left the team with a bit of work to do.”
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