A near run-a-ball century from White Ferns captain Suzie Bates has helped guide the home side to 240 in the opening innings of their ODI clash with England at the Bay Oval.

Put into bat by England this morning, the White Ferns duo of Bates and Rachel Priest made the most of their time in the middle, posting an opening partnership of 157 runs before Priest fell in the 31st over for 52.

White Ferns captain Suzie Bates blasts the ball past an England fielder to reach 100 runs at the Bay Oval today. Photos: Chris Callinan.

The partnership is the White Ferns' highest-ever opening partnership against England, eclipsing the 150 set back in 1996.

Bates continued on to notch up her century off 108 balls, finishing on 106 off 113 with Lydia Greenway taking the catch off the bowling of Danielle Hazel.

At this stage the White Ferns were 178/3 from 36 overs, but a mini collapse saw them slump to 182/6 with Sophie Devine, Kate Broadmore and Sara McGlashan unable to register double figures.

A late rally from the likes of Katie Perkins, 27 off 31 balls, and Anna Peterson, 12 off 18, helped guide the home side to 240 from their allotted 50 overs.

England now require 241 in 50 overs to clinch the first match of the three ODIs between the two sides as part of the final pairing of round two of the ICC Women's Championship.

The White Ferns clash with England again at the Bay Oval on Friday before finishing with the final fixture on Sunday. Entry is free for all matches.

SunLive will have a full match report tomorrow.