Alice Capsey and Heather Knight both struck half-centuries to guide England to a 2-1 series victory during their T20 decider against India at Taunton on Tuesday.
Charlotte Edwards opted to name an unchanged side to play in the series decider, but Capsey 82 off 43 deliveries and Knight’s unbeaten 70 will have given the England coach more selection headaches ahead of this summer’s Women’s T20 World Cup, as they struck a sensational partnership of 137 from 76 balls.
India set England a target of 181 to win, after Harmanpreet Kaur swiped away seven fours for a score 56 not out off 40 deliveries. Deepti Sharma and Yastika Bhatia also impressed, both posting scores of 32 to put more pressure on the hosts heading into the second innings.
Alice Capsey was crowned the Player of the Match after she struck struck a half-century off 27 deliveries on Tuesday
England were sent into the field with a required run rate of 9.36, and despite finding themselves three wickets down for 38 runs inside five overs, outstanding performances from Capsey and Knight saw the hosts seal a six-wicket victory.
It was the highest successful run chase by an England Women’s T20 side on home soil, with Capsey, who smashed her way to a half-century off 31 deliveries, being crowned the Player of the Match.
Knight has been under pressure for a place in the side during this summer’s Women’s T20 World Cup, following an indifferent run of form over the past few months.
Having lost Danni Wyatt-Hodge (5), Sophia Dunkley (16) and Amy Jones (2), it was a pressure moment in the match for England, whose required run rate had risen to 9.53.
But Capsey and Knight weathered the pressure to mount an incredible run chase, with Knight smashing her way to a half-century off 31 deliveries.
“I thought it was outstanding,” Edwards said of England’s performance.
“We didn’t quite know what to do at the toss. Having batted first before winning the game. But we really wanted to test ourselves. It was a good chasing ground. We’ve worked hard over the past few months to chase these big totals and it’s happened just before the World Cup to chase these big totals.”
Edwards previously admitted that she has “headaches” while trying to figure out her best XI, but the England coach admitted on Thursday that they were now “close” on settling on their top order.
Reflecting on Capsey’s performance, Edwards added: “She has been in our plans because she can play 360 degrees.
“She can bowl, and she’s a brilliant fielder. They’re the type of players you want in your team. Incredible for a 21-year-old.
“How she’s developed as a player this winter, and she’s worked very hard on her game, it is just really pleasing to see her get those rewards.”
“The competition for places within this side, they keep putting in performances and I think it’s great, not only are we under pressure in games like this, but within the team now. I genuinely think the 15 people we have in this squad could play in an 11 and that’s a really good place to be in as a squad.”
More to follow…
Watch every ball of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW, from the opening match on June 12 through to the final on July 5. Hosts England kick off the tournament on opening night with a game versus Sri Lanka at Edgbaston (6.30pm start).
England’s T20 World Cup group fixtures
All times UK and Ireland; all live on Sky Sports
- vs Sri Lanka (Friday June 12) – Edgbaston, Birmingham (6.30pm)
- vs Ireland (Tuesday June 16) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (6.30pm)
- vs Scotland (Saturday June 20) – Headingley, Leeds (6.30pm)
- vs West Indies (Wednesday June 24) – Lord’s, London (6.30pm)
- vs New Zealand (Saturday June 27) – The Kia Oval, London (6.30pm)
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