England Women face New Zealand Women in the 1st ODI of New Zealand’s tour of England 2026 today at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.
The match starts at 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM PKT), part of the ICC Women’s Championship. Venue capacity reaches 17,000 for internationals, with ends named Finchale and Lumley.
England Women kick off their home summer against New Zealand Women today in the opening ODI of a three-match series, part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship. This clash at Riverside Ground holds big stakes—not just for series momentum but for championship points that could shape qualification paths for the 2027 World Cup. Both sides enter off mixed results, with England aiming to build on home strength and New Zealand looking to upset as underdogs on foreign soil.
England have been solid but not unbeatable lately, winning four of their last six ODIs including a strong chase against India last month. Their batting depth shone in that series, but bowling inconsistencies crept in during losses to Australia earlier this year. New Zealand, meanwhile, snapped a three-match skid with a gritty win over South Africa in a warm-up tri-series, showing resilience in tight chases.
Head-to-head, England hold a clear edge with 47 wins to New Zealand’s 37 across 86 ODIs, including two ties or no-results. The last five meetings tell a tighter story: England won the most recent on October 26, 2025 (by 6 wickets), followed by a New Zealand victory in March 2025 (by 4 runs), England twice in late 2024, and a Kiwi upset in mid-2024. These close contests underline the rivalry’s intensity, often hinging on middle-overs battles.
ENG W vs NZ W Match Details
- Match: England W vs New Zealand W, 1st ODI
- Teams: ENG W vs NZ W
- Date: 10 May 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM PKT),
- Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
NZ-W vs ENG-W 2026 Live Streaming Info
Streaming Options
Watch live on Sony Sports (TV) or SonyLIV app/website in select regions; check YouTube for score updates. Local PKT viewers may use Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo apps for live scores.
Global Streaming
UK: Sky Sports (Main Event/Cricket channels), stream via Sky Go or NOW/TNT Sports app.
India: FanCode app and website.
New Zealand: TVNZ Channel 1.
USA: Willow TV via TrillerTV (unlimited replays).
Pakistan Options
No official broadcast listed for Pakistan; use free live scores on Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, or CricTracker apps/websites. VPN with UK/India servers may access Sky Go or FanCode (check
How to Watch the Match for Free:
Catch every boundary without paying via these official free options, perfect for fans in Pakistan and beyond.
Pakistan: PTV Sports broadcasts all matches live for free on TV via terrestrial, cable, and satellite—no subscription needed.
Live Streaming Info:
The 1st ODI ENG-W vs NZ-W 2026 will be live on TNT Cricket.
Live Score Info:
England Women vs New Zealand Women 2026: All matches on ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
Head-to-Head
England leads 47-37 in 86 ODIs, with 2 ties/no results; last meeting October 26, 2025 (England won). England favored at 55% win probability on balanced pitch (240-260 first innings).
Predicted Playing XIs
England Women (Captain: Charlie Dean):
Amy Jones (WK), Kira Chathli, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Emma Lamb, Charlie Dean (C), Danielle Gibson, Issy Wong, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.
New Zealand Women (Captain: Melie Kerr):
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Isabella Gaze (WK), Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Melie Kerr (C).
England Women Team Analysis
England boast a balanced unit, with batting firepower led by captain Heather Knight, who’s amassed 320 runs at 53 average in her last five ODIs. Their strength lies in explosive openers and a versatile spin duo, but weakness shows in death-over bowling when pacers leak runs under pressure. Sophie Ecclestone remains the X-factor, claiming 12 wickets in five recent games with her left-arm wizardry, while Maia Bouchier smashed a ton in the T20Is against New Zealand last week for early momentum. Amy Jones behind the stumps adds stability, though the lower order needs to fire after recent collapses.
New Zealand Women Team Analysis
The White Ferns rely on allround grit, with captain Sophie Devine (if fit) anchoring at No. 3 alongside Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin menace—Kerr snared 8 wickets in her last three ODIs. Strengths include a tight fielding unit and pace from Lea Tahuhu, but batting fragility haunts them, averaging under 40 per wicket overseas lately. Weaknesses amplify on slower pitches like Riverside, where their spinners must counter England’s aggression. Standout recent performer Georgia Plimmer scored 150 runs across four innings in warm-ups, signaling top-order intent.
Riverside’s grass surface starts balanced, offering seamers swing with the new ball under breeze, but slows into a spinner’s paradise as the day wears on. Average first-innings score hovers around 240-260 in women’s ODIs; teams batting second have won 60% here recently. Boundaries stretch 65-70m straight, favoring strokeplay over slogs. Expect 300+ possible if batters settle early.
Cloudy with temperatures at 12-15°C (54-59°F), 40% rain chance in patches during the middle session, winds at 20-25 km/h aiding swing. Dew could factor late, pushing captains to bowl first—full match likely despite interruptions.
England’s home edge, superior head-to-head, and spin depth on a turning Riverside pitch give them a 60% win probability. They’ll chase 250-plus if batting second, powered by Knight and Ecclestone. New Zealand could push close if Plimmer and Kerr spark, but form and conditions tilt toward a host victory by 20-40 runs. Toss winner bowls first