ODI Live Updates: England vs New Zealand Second Women’s Match – Start 1 PM BST

The second women’s One-Day International (ODI) between England and New Zealand, originally scheduled to begin at 1pm BST on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Northampton, has been delayed due to heavy rain. The match, part of a three-ODI series ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in England, remains in doubt as pitch conditions deteriorate.

With England having secured a narrow victory in the first ODI—thanks to a late batting push—today’s game was set to be a pivotal encounter. However, persistent rainfall has forced organizers to postpone the start, leaving players, officials and fans in limbo. The latest updates from Northampton indicate that the umpires are monitoring the pitch closely, with a further inspection planned at 14:15 BST to assess whether play can commence.

The weather has been particularly challenging, with conditions fluctuating rapidly between bright and breezy to grey and gloomy. Players have been seen wearing hoodies and bobble hats, underscoring the uncricket-like environment. The delay follows a similar interruption to the first ODI, where rain played a significant role in shaping the outcome.

This series serves as a warm-up for both teams ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, which England will host later this summer. Australia, one of the tournament favorites, has already named its squad, with captain Sophie Molineux confirmed fit to lead the charge. England’s own preparations are underway, with players like Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Alex Hartley—both World Cup winners in 2022—focusing on maintaining their form.

For now, the second ODI remains on hold, with no confirmed timeline for its resumption. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see if conditions improve in time for play to begin.

Meanwhile, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to Sky’s highlights package of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup final, featuring commentary from Heather Knight and Lauren Winfield-Hill. The match, which concluded with England’s victory, remains a landmark moment in women’s cricket history.

As the situation develops, updates will be provided as soon as they become available. For those following the series, the postponement adds another layer of unpredictability to what is already shaping up to be a highly competitive summer of cricket.