Beaumont powers England to victory over White Ferns

Tammy Beaumont has scored 97 as England commenced their women's T20 series against New Zealand with a 46-run victory at Chelmsford.

The England opener was caught off the penultimate ball of the innings to fall agonisingly short of a second T20 international century, but her knock helped the hosts power their way to 4-184.

New Zealand had not played since the conclusion of their home series against Australia in April and their lack of match time showed as they were unable to get going in their chase, despite Amy Satterthwaite's 43 from 31 deliveries.

The England players in contrast have had a full summer, including the inaugural Hundred.

Chasing 185 to win, the experienced NZ opening partnership of Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine were dismissed cheaply, with former captain Bates playing her first match in almost a year after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Devine was lbw for two to the in-form Tash Farrant, who was brought into the side in place of Anya Shrubsole.

Katherine Brunt then struck soon afterwards, bowling Bates for just one to leave New Zealand four for two.

A low diving catch from Farrant dismissed Maddy Green to end a 48-run stand for the third wicket with Satterthwaite.

And England took regular wickets after that, with Satterthwaite ousted by Brunt who finished with two for nine from three overs.

Earlier, Beaumont was dropped twice and made the tourists pay with a brilliant 65-ball knock that contained 13 fours and a six.

She was in the middle for all but one ball of the England innings, eventually departing when caught at third man chasing a boundary to bring up her ton.

"Not really (frustrating to be out three short of a century). I'd have taken 97 at the start of the day," Beaumont said.

"I guess it would have been nice to pass a personal milestone but I think that's my highest T20 score for quite a long time so I'd take 97 and miss out so I'm not too bothered.

Devine admitted the visitors were "rusty" after they fell behind trying to chase down England's impressive total.

"I think it's always a bit of a challenge, there's only so much training you can do before you need to get out there and play games and for us we were probably a little bit rusty out there today," Devine said.

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes v England

Jan 27-30: Test match, Manuka Oval

Feb 4: First T20, North Sydney Oval

Feb 6: Second T20, North Sydney Oval

Feb 10: Third T20, Adelaide Oval

Feb 13: First ODI, Adelaide Oval

Feb 16: Second ODI, Junction Oval

Feb 19: Third ODI, Junction Oval