White Ferns fall to England in Chennai

England have pipped New Zealand in the first of two women's World Twenty20 warm-up matches in Chennai, notching a four-wicket win off the last ball of the match.

The White Ferns posted 130, but should have done better after reaching 1-78 midway through the 11th over.

England's initial struggles with line and length allowed Suzie Bates (38) and Sophie Devine (40) to put on 75 runs for the second wicket.

But the English regrouped, picking up four New Zealand wickets in the last eight overs for 52 runs, with Katherine Brunt's pace earning her figures of 2-15.

Lea Tahuhu got the New Zealanders off to the perfect start in removing opener Amy Jones without scoring but wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor's 51 off 52 balls provided the anchor England needed.

Tahuhu was easily the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 2-10, Bates chiming in with 2-22 off three overs.

New Zealand had originally been scheduled to play a warm-up match against Pakistan, but instead faced England as Pakistan were still awaiting safety assurances before travelling.

The White Ferns play a second warm-up match against England on Sunday before opening their World Twenty20 campaign against Sri Lanka in New Delhi early on Wednesday (AEDT).