Whangarei, New Zealand, Feb 4: The first match of England's tour of New Zealand -- a Twenty20 warm-up fixture against a New Zealand XI -- was abandoned on Monday due to rain.
The match was the first of two matches against the composite side which were designed to prepare England for a three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand beginning on Feb. 9.
England won the toss in the match at Cobham Oval and sent the home side in to bat.
The New Zealand XI reached 70-1 in 9.1 overs before rain set in and forced the abandonment.
The second match is scheduled for Wednesday.
