Cricket: White Ferns lose final warmup

Amy Satterthwaite. Photosport

The White Ferns have suffered a seven-wicket loss at the hands of England in their final warmup game before the start of the Women's World Cup this weekend.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat but never really got going being bowled out for 130 in the 39th over with only three players reaching double figures.

Katey Martin posted the highest score for the White Ferns with 36 runs and Amy Sattherwaite score 24 but New Zealand collapsed from 95 for three to lose their final seven wickets for just 35 runs.

England bowler Laura Marsh caused havoc for the Kiwi batters taking 3 for 7.
England got to the 130 run target in 27.2 overs and only lost three wickets.

Opener Tammy Beaumont finished on 51 not out and Natalie Sciver contributed well with 38.

Much like the batting order the bowlers never really got going either. Lea Tahuhu and Leigh Kasperek both took one wicket each but going for 30 and 37 runs respectively.

White Fern batter Katey Martin said the key was partnerships. "I think we need to bat in partnerships and bat longer. I think we only batted 40 odd overs today. So it's going back to the partnerships that work well for us".

Despite the loss Martin said the White Ferns were in a good place before their first game against Sri Lanka. "We've been fortunate to play the top 3 teams and we've gone pretty well against Australia and obviously a good win against India...I think we're realistic that we've got a few workons but it's a good position to be in at this stage".

The White Ferns begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on Saturday night (NZ time).