England Women cruised to an eight-wicket victory against New Zealand in their first 50-over international in more than a year.

Tammy Beaumont, who hit 71, and their captain, Heather Knight (67 not out), steered the tourists to the winning target in only 33.4 overs having skittled their hosts for 178 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval. The victory puts England 1-0 up in the three-match series.

England, back in action in the ODI arena for the first time since playing Pakistan in December 2019, lost the toss. New Zealand elected to bat, but despite being deprived of Anya Shrubsol – who is missing the tour with a knee injury – England were soon on the front foot after Tash Farrant and Katherine Brunt both struck inside the opening 10 overs.

Hayley Jensen provided New Zealand with some hope after she claimed her first ODI half-century, but her dismissal by Sarah Glenn left the hosts on a precarious 94 for four.

Brooke Halliday struck 50 from 54 deliveries in her first ODI appearance before she was the last woman dismissed – run out by Danni Wyatt – with the hosts’ innings ending after 45.1 overs.

In reply, Wyatt’s wicket fell in the eighth over after she registered 17. But Beaumont and Knight steadied the ship, with the former reaching her 50 from 67 balls – her 10th ODI half-century – before she was caught behind off Lea Tahuhu’s delivery.

Knight then reached her 20th ODI 50 in 58 balls, with Nat Sciver, who made an unbeaten 21, hitting the match-winning boundary in a crushing triumph for the tourists.

The sides will meet in Dunedin on Friday with England seeking an unassailable 2-0 lead.