England defeat New Zealand by six wickets to take unassailable T20 series lead

Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight ensured England reached their target with 16 balls to spare

Heather Knight in action for England (Getty Images)

England clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in their T20 series with New Zealand with a six-wicket win in Wellington.

The hosts were put into bat and started strongly, reaching 84 for two before losing two wickets in three balls.

Amy Satterthwaite was the pick of New Zealand’s attack, falling one short of a half century when she was dismissed by Freya Davies, who finished the day with four wickets.

Natalie Sciver picked up two wickets in the final over as New Zealand finished on 123 for nine.

Danni Wyatt fell early in the reply, bowled for nine by Rosemary Mair, with Sciver leaving for a duck shortly afterwards.

But opener Tammy Beaumont (63) and Heather Knight (39no) put on an 83-run partnership for the third wicket as England reached their target with 16 balls remaining.

PA