England send Ashes warning with thumping win over NZ

Tammy Beaumont has hammered a fine hundred, spearheading England's drive towards a massive 203-run victory in their final match of the series against New Zealand at Canterbury.

The Kent-born batter scored 102 for her eighth one-day international ton as England compiled an impressive 5-347 from their 50 overs in Sunday's fifth match of the series to wrap up their 4-1 win.

Only three women have scored more ODI centuries than the England opener, who played with confidence on her home ground, bringing up her total from 114 deliveries.

New Zealand were always behind in the chase and lost regular wickets, slumping to 144 all out in the 36th over, with Lauren Down and Brooke Halliday top-scoring with 27 each.

The home side were aided by New Zealand's bowling and fielding, with England opener Lauren Winfield-Hill dropped four times on her way to 43.

The visitors dropped eight catches after winning the toss and putting England in to bat.

Danni Wyatt struck a powerful 43 from 20 at the back end of the England innings which included four sixes, one of which cleared the ground with the ball having to be rescued from the neighbouring flats.

Amy Jones also added an excellent 60 from 46 in the middle order, with Sophia Dunkley finishing on 33 not out.

In reply, New Zealand struggled from the outset, with Kate Cross and captain Heather Knight claiming three wickets each.