Kiwi women take series

Aimee Mason celebrates her hundred © Getty Images

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Aimee Mason's scintillating hundred provided the springboard for New Zealand women's 43-run win over England in the fourth one-day international in Blackpool, and they have now won the series having taken an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Mason's 111 from 130 balls ensured her side posted a more than competitive score of 239 for nine from their fifty overs after they made first use of the wicket.

Sarah Tsukigawa also made a valuable contribution with 39 and she combined with Mason in a 94-run stand for the fifth wicket before the former was run out.

Claire Taylor during her 72 for England © Getty Images

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Laura Marsh was the most successful bowler for England with 3-49 but seamer Nicky Shaw was very economical with figures of 1-24 from her seven.

In reply England lost wickets early and were 33 for three at one point before Claire Taylor (72) and Lydia Greenway put on 105 runs for the fourth wicket.

Beth Morgan (32) and Lynsey Askew (18) contributed a 46-run stand but the home side were always struggling to keep up with the run-rate and were bowled out for 196 in the 49th over. Helen Watson claimed the excellent figures of 2-22 for the Kiwis.

The fifth match is at the same ground on Monday and the last is at the Denis Compton Oval, Shenley, on Thursday.