Tammy Beaumont leads England to ODI series win in New Zealand

Beaumont hit all corners at Seddon Park. Photo: Getty Images/Phil Walter England beat New Zealand by 56 runs

England took a commanding 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand with a 56-run win in the second match in Hamilton.

After being dismissed for a duck in Monday's first match, opener Tammy Beaumont bounced back with a stellar 81 to give England a great start at Seddon Park.

Once Maya Bouchier was caught on 20 by Hannah Rowe, England captain Heather Knight set about building a fearsome target with Beaumont. The pair combined for 70 runs before Jess Kerr dismissed Knight.

Beaumont, however, was undeterred and continued to hit boundaries despite quick outs from Nat Sciver-Brant and Alice Capsey. She took England to 158 for five before Rowe finally dismissed her.

Amy Jones took up the baton with 48 off 40 balls as England set an ambitious target of 253.

Despite a strong 57 from Brooke Halliday and a brilliant 47 off 48 from Izzy Gase, the New Zealand batters were unable to threaten England's score and were eventually bowled out for 196.

Skiver-Brunt led the way among England bowlers with three wickets from seven overs.

Nat Skriver-Brant has disrupted the New Zealand batting order. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Bradley

Man of the match Beaumont said: «I think the best time for batting was probably with the new ball, but then it definitely got tougher.» in the middle, and sometimes I feel like I can't tell if it was me or the wicket.

“I was a little upset, but I scored 50 and then increased a little. My father probably sat at home and told me that it was a crime to retire after 81 years and leave the team with some work to do. I think the way Amy Jones and Kate Cross took the team to a par score was exceptional.

“I think Maya Bouchier and I in the powerplay like to face bowlers and hit hard shots, and broke out a bit in the middle, which is always nice. There's real competition for places now and I think pressure is a good thing when you're trying to reinvent yourself.

“I can do a lot more and the team can do a lot more to continue to move forward and challenge every team.”

The final match of the series will be on Sunday.< /p>