Sciver-Brunt finds form as England overcome India

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up, Cardiff

England 171-6 (20 overs): Sciver-Brunt 57 (45); Patil 2-29

India 166 (19.5 overs): Ghosh 68 (36); Smith 3-42

England won by five runs

Scorecard

Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 57 as England concluded their T20 World Cup preparation by holding their nerve in a thrilling five-run win over India.

Chasing 172, India slumped to 87-5, and with an unlikely 38 required off the last two overs, Richa Ghosh whacked 21 off Issy Wong’s penultimate over and then a six and a four off Linsey Smith to leave six required off three balls.

But Smith won the battle to have Ghosh stumped for a sensational 68 from 36 balls and then removed Renuka Singh Thakur to secure a confidence-boosting win before the T20 World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sciver-Brunt spent welcome time in the middle, and alongside Amy Jones’ fluent 64 at the top of the order and a late cameo of 30 from 12 balls from all-rounder Dani Gibson, England posted a competitive 171-6 in Cardiff.

The skipper had made just three in the previous warm-up against Australia, which England lost by five wickets, but has now alleviated some concerns about her lack of game time before the tournament.

The Australia match on Monday was Sciver-Brunt’s first international appearance this summer as she has been managing a calf injury.

After Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed early again for just three, the newly promoted Jones and Sciver-Brunt added 70 for the second wicket, before India wrestled back some control in the middle overs with three quick wickets.

Jones was bowled by Shafali Verma before Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp also fell cheaply to spin, but the form of power-hitter Gibson at the death was another tick in the box for head coach Charlotte Edwards’ gameplan.

Her counter-attacking knock included four fours and a six with 19 coming from the final over to ensure England did not lose momentum after Sciver-Brunt fell with seven balls to go.

The hosts again rotated their bowlers, resting seamer Lauren Bell and giving more overs to Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Wong and Lauren Filer, while reserve keeper Capsey replaced Jones behind the stumps.

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