England survived a late fightback from India as Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones struck half-centuries to lead Charlotte Edwards’ side to a five-run victory in their second and final ICC Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against India.
After suffering a five-wicket defeat to Australia in their first warm-up match on Monday, England’s batters impressed, with Jones, who was pushed up the order to open alongside Danni Wyatt-Hodge, making 64 off 45 deliveries before she was dismissed.
Sciver-Brunt followed suit and looked much more fluid at the crease compared to her performance earlier in the week, bringing up a half-century off 43 deliveries, with her side setting India a target of 172 to win.
England’s bowlers, including 18-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman, impressed as they worked their way through India’s middle order, with Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia and Harmanpreet Kaur all falling for less than 20 runs.
However, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh kept the visitors in the game and set up a nervy finish, cutting the deficit with a half-century of her own.
Ghosh left India needing 17 runs off the final over, and she dazzled at the crease, hitting five boundaries, including two booming sixes in the final seven deliveries she faced.
But Edwards’ side kept their cool, with stand-in wicketkeeper Alice Capsey showing her quick reactions to stump Ghosh (68 for 36 balls) with just three deliveries remaining.
Linsey Smith took the final wicket of the day, dismissing Renuka Singh, who top-edged the ball to Charlie Dean at cover.
More to follow…
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