After a 1-1 draw in the three-match ODI series, England Women and New Zealand Women will now shift their focus to the T20I format as they gear up to face each other in the first T20I match of the three-match series.

This match is scheduled to be played at the County Ground in Derby on 20th May 2026 at 11:00 PM IST. Both teams will be eyeing a positive start in the series.

England Women

England Women will be disappointed as they missed out on winning the ODI series against the White Ferns. They lost the final match, and the series ended 1-1. The hosts have a decent T20I form going into this series, losing to India Women 3-2 in the five-match series last time out. They have two wins in their last five matches. However, they possess a stellar record against the New Zealand Women in this format, winning nine out of the last ten matches played against this side. Ahead of the upcoming Women's T20I World Cup in June, the hosts will look to utilise this series to find the right balance.

New Zealand Women

Meanwhile, the White Ferns are rolling with their form in this format, coming into this series after thrashing Zimbabwe Women and then Proteas Women at their home ground in the previous two series. Moreover, they have a three-match winning streak, which tells about their dominance. Considering how brilliant the White Ferns were in the ODIs in this tour, the Amelia Kerr-led side will be hoping to utilise the consitions well and prepare themselve ahead of the crucial Women's T20I World Cup next month.

ENG-W vs NZ-W WT20I Match Details

ENG-W vs NZ-W 1st T20I Pitch Report

The surface at the County Ground pitch is likely to assist batters. The fresh surface often allows batters to play attacking shots freely during the power play. If batters settle down at the crease during the middle overs, they can go big and score heavy runs with their free batting style. However, pacers will enjoy early assistance from the pitch with the new ball only when they hit the right areas. Spinners are likely to get good help from the track during the middle overs. The average first-inning score is likely to be around 160-175.

ENG-W vs NZ-W 1st T20I Weather Report

The weather forecast is calling for a dark and cloudy day with a temperature of 25°C. There are light showers of rain predicted for the match, with continuous rain predicted (94% chances). The pleasant weather conditions will be favourable for the match; however, the humidity is likely to be around 70%.

ENG-W vs NZ-W Head-to-Head Records

ENG-W vs NZ-W 1st T20I Probable XI

• England Women: Charlie Dean (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell, Issy Wong, Dani Gibson

• New Zealand Women: Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze (wk), Amelia Kerr (c), Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Polly Inglis, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing.

Players To Watch Out For In ENG-W vs NZ-W 1st T20I Match

• Sophie Devine | ENG-W: This right-hander batter is one of the best attacking players in the team. She is someone who collects good runs once she settles down at the crease, especially with her attacking game play during the power play. Overall, she has 1245 runs in 72 WT20Is, including six half-centuries. She will be a player to watch out for.

• Amelia Kerr | NZ-W: Amelia Kerr has been a match-winner for her team in this format. She had a phenomenal outing in the last series against the Proteas Women, scoring 276 runs in 5 innings with an average of 55, and also grabbed 5 wickets in five innings. Overall, she has 1912 runs to her name and 104 wickets as well in 96 T20I matches. She will be a player to watch out for in this game.