The English female squad on Monday won their first T20I match against West Indies on Tuesday, leading the match by 47 runs. Opener Tammy Beaumont led her side to victory as she made 62 from 49 halls. That half-century score, coupled with the excellent batting skills of captain Heather Knight, helped England secure their Victory as they currently lead the series.

West Indies struggled against their host but they were still strong enough to force a mini-collapse, preventing five wickets from the English side. This helped to keep England’s final score to 163-8. Despite suffering a remarkable loss, 116-6, West Indies still managed to get in control towards the end of the match. Deandra Dottin helped her side with 69 as Sophie Ecclestone made 2 wickets. Skipper Stafanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews were dismissed, leaving West Indies weaker.

Part of England’s victory lies in the fact that Knight offered to bowl. This afforded Beaumont and Danni Wyatt the chance they had to give their team the lead early on. West Indies has Dottin to thank for as she was the only one who made double digits score on Monday. Shemaine Campbelle was the next player with a high score as she made only 9. That shows how bad the West Indies had it, with a final score of 116-6.

England failed to find the perfect way to end the day as many of their players, including Wyatt and Beaumont, were bowled out. That, as well as the mini-collapse forced by the West Indies, helped to keep England in check. But England’s lead is a very solid one and it is a good way to start an event, which is the first international women’s cricket match since the pandemic forced a halt in March. The second match would start on September 23rd while they wrap things up on September 23. All the matches would hold in a bubble facility without fans present.

Written by: Leon Osamor