In a thrilling start to their summer campaign, England Women pulled off a dramatic one-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street, thanks to a heroic stand between stand-in captain Charlie Dean and 18-year-old debutant Tilly Corteen-Coleman.

The White Ferns were bowled out for 210 in 48.4 overs, with Maddy Green top-scoring with 88 and Amelia Kerr adding 55. England's bowling attack was led by Dean (2-21), Lauren Bell (2-38), and Corteen-Coleman (2-38), who impressed on her international debut.

However, England's chase was far from smooth. Sloppy fielding—including a dropped catch by Maia Bouchier and several misfields—allowed New Zealand to reach a competitive total. Then, in response, England stumbled to 160-7, leaving their hopes hanging by a thread.

Enter Dean, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 31, and Bell, who contributed a crucial 35-run partnership. But the real drama unfolded when Corteen-Coleman walked to the crease with 10 runs still needed. The teenager, who had already taken two wickets earlier, showed remarkable composure, finishing three not out as Dean—dropped when seven runs were required—guided England home in the penultimate over.

While the win is a welcome boost ahead of the T20 World Cup at Edgbaston next month, England will know there is plenty of work to do. The fielding lapses and batting fragility are areas that need sharpening before the global tournament.

The three-match ODI series continues with the second game on Wednesday, followed by the finale on Saturday. After that, attention turns to the T20 format, where England will look to build momentum for the World Cup.

For now, though, it's a celebration of resilience and youthful promise—a reminder that in cricket, the game is never over until the last ball is bowled.