England vs New Zealand: Second women's ODI abandoned as Charlie Dean's hosts retain 1-0 lead ahead of Cardiff finale

England's bid to wrap up a one-day international series victory over New Zealand at the earliest opportunity was thwarted by the weather, with Wednesday's game in Northampton washed out.

England were looking to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest after a nerve-jangling one-wicket win in Sunday's series opener in Durham, a game in which stand-in captain Charlie Dean's 31 not out dragged her team over the line.

However, persistent showers and a wet outfield prevented any play in the Midlands, seeing the hosts retain their 1-0 advantage ahead of Saturday's finale in Cardiff (11am start UK time).

The players were poised to begin a 32-over-a-side fixture at 4pm, only for a heavy downpour to dash that, with a 20-over-a-side encounter - the shortest match possible - unable to begin at Wantage Road before the 5.38pm cut-off.

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England had brought left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone and all-rounder Alice Capsey into their XI, with young batter and leg-spinner Jodi Grewcock - who made her debut at Chester-le-Street at the weekend - and seamer Lauren Filer making way,

T20 World Cup the focus for England and New Zealand

After the ODIs, England and New Zealand will meet in three T20 internationals, starting in Derby on May 20 ahead of further games at Canterbury (May 23) and Hove (May 25).

England will also play three T20 internationals versus India before beginning their home T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday June 12.

The hosts will hope to have regular skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt back well before then, with the all-rounder currently sitting out the New Zealand ODIs with a minor calf issue.

England have not won the T20 World Cup since the inaugural edition on home soil in 2009 and were knocked out in the group stage at the last edition, in the UAE in 2024.

New Zealand are the reigning Women's T20 World Cup champions, claiming a first title two years ago with a 32-run victory over South Africa in the Dubai final.

Watch England's third and final ODI against New Zealand, in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Saturday (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: England vs New Zealand: Second women's ODI abandoned as Charlie Dean's hosts retain 1-0 lead ahead of Cardiff finale