Paarl — England’s batting prowess was on full display as they effortlessly secured a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in their Women’s T20 World Cup match at Boland Park in Paarl.
Set to chase a target of 136, England achieved their win with 5.3 overs remaining. Opener Sophia Dunkley set the pace with her aggressive 34 off 18 balls before being caught by Chinelle Henry in a stunning play. The opening partnership between Dunkley and Danni Wyatt (11) added 37 runs in 3.3 overs. Alice Capsey, who recently recovered from a broken collarbone, contributed 13 runs before Nat Sciver-Brunt (40 not out) and captain Heather Knight (32 not out) sealed the win with an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 67 runs.
West Indies chose to bat under scorching heat, posting 135-7 with Hayley Matthews scoring 42 off 32 balls, including eight fours. Matthews dominated the opening stand of 47 with Stafanie Taylor, who made a modest three runs. Shemaine Campbelle also performed well with 34 off 37 balls, but the England bowlers and fielders had to overcome the challenges of an afternoon match.
Sophie Ecclestone, England’s left-arm spinner, was the most successful bowler with three wickets for 23 runs. Two of her wickets came in the penultimate over as the West Indies attempted ambitious strokes.
West Indies: 135-7 (H Matthews 42, S Campbelle 34; S Ecclestone 3-23) England: 138-3 (N Sciver-Brunt 40 not out, S Dunkley 34, H Knight 32 not out; C Henry 2-30) Result: England won by seven wickets
