Taylor guides England home

England's women eased to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in Wellington in the first of five Twenty20 internationals yesterday.

After being put into bat, the hosts never threatened to make an imposing total, finishing on 80 for 9. Anya Shrubsole (5-11) was the pick of the bowlers, supported by Danni Hazell who took 3 for 15. England were 44 for 4 in reply before Sarah Taylor's unbeaten 31 saw them home.

The England captain, Charlotte Edwards, has challenged her team to go through 2012 unbeaten as the reigning 50-over and T20 champions look towards a successful defence of their title in the shorter format in the autumn.