England Women started their three-match T20I series against West Indies Women on a high note, registering a comprehensive 8-wicket win in the first match at St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury. An unbeaten knock from Sophia Dunkley steered the hosts to a remarkable win.
Haley Matthews’ Century Goes in Vain
Batting first after winning the toss, West Indies Women registered a fighting 146 for 7 in their 20 overs. Skipper Matthews was the star of the innings, playing a mesmerizing unbeaten century, keeping the innings together while wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
Though Matthews played heroically, there was not much support from her teammates, which made the visitors fall short of setting an even more demanding target.
England Bowlers Share Wickets
England Women put on a clinical bowling performance.
Lauren Bell made an early impact, claiming two vital wickets to spearhead the attack.
Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, and Charlie Dean Arlott each took 1 wicket each, putting pressure on the batters all through the innings.
Dunkley, Knight Lead England to Easy Victory
Chasing 147, England’s top-order batters made light work of the target.
Opener Sophia Dunkley was the pick of the players, holding the innings together with a calm and unbeaten 81 runs, as Heather Knight supported her well with 43 not out.
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The two of them combined for a stunning unbeaten partnership that took England to the target in only 16.3 overs and closed at 147 for 2.
England’s batters overpowered a lackluster West Indies bowling effort
West Indies bowlers found it difficult to make the breakthroughs, with Zaida James and Afy Fletcher each picking a wicket. They could not stem the flow of runs or create pressure, so England enjoyed a breeze in pursuing the target.
Series Advantage to England
With this dominant victory, England Women are leading the three-match T20I series 1–0. The balanced performance with both bat and ball by the team has established the tone for the rest of the series. West Indies, even with Matthews’ brilliance, will have to regroup in a hurry before the next match.
Player of the Match: Hayley Matthews
Ironically, having lost despite being on the winning side, Hayley Matthews was rightfully awarded Player of the Match for her unblemished century – a very unusual achievement in a losing effort and a testament to her outstanding individualism.
