Kent’s Charlotte Edwards and Tammy Beaumont guided England home to a five wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening game of the Women’s International Triangular Series in Barbados on Wednesday night.

Skipper Edwards top-scored with 42 as England chased down New Zealand’s score of 109-6 with five balls remaining at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

England were struggling on 56-4 after Kent's Lydia Greenway had departed before Beaumont guided the team home with a steady 29 not out from 23 balls.

Despite not taking any wickets - Kent's Natasha Farrant, 17, was the pick of bowlers with her economical spell going for just 12 runs in four overs.

England's next game is on Friday against the hosts West Indies - who comfortabley beat New Zealand in their first game.