ENG-W vs NZ-W Match Prediction : 1st Match, England Women vs New Zealand Women, 2026

New Zealand Women will kick off their highly anticipated tour of England on May 10, 2026, with a three-match ODI series. The opening game of this leg takes place at the Riverside Ground in Chester-Le-Street, England. This article provides valuable insights into the game's probable playing elevens, pitch conditions, and top cricket betting tips.

Also Check: Today's Cricket Betting Rates

England Women vs New Zealand Women Head-to-Head Record

These two sides have clashed 40 times in ODI cricket before this series. England Women hold a decisive and massive 34-6 advantage in this historical head-to-head matchup.

England Women vs New Zealand Women Live-streaming and Broadcast

Country/Region	Streaming	TV Broadcast
India	FanCode​	Not specified
Pakistan	Myco, Tapmad​	PTV Sports​
South Africa	DSTV ​	SuperSport Cricket​
Australia	Prime Video​	Not available ​
England (UK)	Sky Sports Cricket​	Sky Sports Cricket​
New Zealand	Sky Go​	Sky Sport ​
United States	Cricbuzz ​	Willow TV​
Canada	Cricbuzz​	Willow TV​
Bangladesh	Toffee ​	Nagorik TV​
Sri Lanka	Sirasa TV​	TV-1​
Middle East & North Africa	StarzPlay​	CricLife MAX​

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.

ENG-W vs NZ-W Team Previews

England Women

England enters this contest with a mixed recent record of two wins, two losses, and one no-result in their last five ODI outings. They suffered a heavy 125-run defeat against South Africa Women in their most recent match. It has been a while since they played the 50-over format, as that last game against the Proteas took place back in October 2025.

Despite the loss to South Africa, Sophie Ecclestone bowled beautifully to claim four wickets for 44 runs across her ten overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt top-scored with 64 runs, but unfortunately, she will miss this upcoming series due to a calf injury.

Captain Heather Knight will anchor the batting lineup in her absence. Knight is in fantastic form, scoring 288 runs in her last eight games at an impressive average of 48 and a strike rate of 85.71. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones also provides vital middle-order stability, tallying 270 runs in her past ten appearances with an 83.33 strike rate.

On the bowling front, Sophie Ecclestone remains the primary threat, taking 20 wickets in her last nine matches with a strike rate of 21.65. Linsey Smith provides excellent complementary spin, securing 15 dismissals in her previous ten games at a strike rate of 30.66. These will be the key English players to watch out for.

England Women Expected Playing 11

Amy Jones (wk), Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (c), Emma Lamb, Dani Gibson, Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong.

Check Out: Best Cricket Betting Sites

New Zealand Women

Unlike their opponents, New Zealand Women arrive in phenomenal form, boasting two consecutive victories. They have also won four of their last five ODI games. In their most recent match, they posted a massive 306 runs for seven from their allotted fifty overs.

They followed that up by comfortably bowling out the South African women for 240 runs in 46.1 overs. Maddy Green was named Player of the Match after smashing a brilliant 141 runs off 128 deliveries. Rosemary Mair dismantled the opposition with a superb five-wicket haul for 50 runs.

Maddy Green will lead the Kiwi batting charge again in this encounter. She has amassed 463 runs in her last ten games with a staggering 77.17 average and a 102.43 strike rate. Captain Amelia Kerr is another massive asset, scoring 435 runs in her last ten appearances while striking at 94.56.

Amelia Kerr also spearheads the bowling attack, taking 22 wickets across her last ten matches. Pace bowler Rosemary Mair adds crucial firepower, picking up 11 wickets in her last nine contests with a strike rate of 35.

New Zealand Women Expected Playing 11

Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Isabella Gaze (wk), Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold.

ENG-W vs NZ-W Toss Prediction

Historically, the Riverside Ground has hosted five women's ODI matches, with three won by the team batting first. While the data does not heavily dictate a decision for the skippers, putting runs on the board early seems to be the safer strategy. Expect the captain winning the toss to choose to bat first here.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The Riverside Ground provides a balanced, medium-scoring pitch. The track offers even pace, bounce, and swing, which should assist the fast bowlers early on. However, the surface might mellow out and settle into a slower pace as the innings progresses. Bettors should also factor in the weather, as there is a distinct possibility of rain showers during the contest.

ENG-W vs NZ-W : Who Will Win?

Although England has not played ODI cricket since October 2025, they have won their last four format encounters against this specific opposition. New Zealand is carrying fantastic momentum right now with four wins in their last five outings, ensuring this will be a highly competitive clash. However, given their stellar head-to-head record and the home-turf advantage, the hosts remain the safest bet.

You can expect a close game, but we reckon England Women will start as favorites.

Bet on England Women to win.