England secured a four-wicket victory over Ireland in the T20 World Cup in Southampton, chasing down 119 runs with 15 balls remaining. However, the win was overshadowed by an injury concern for captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who retired hurt after scoring 48.
Sciver-Brunt, who has recently returned from a calf injury, left the field with England needing just nine runs for victory. She reportedly experienced “tightness” in her left calf, the same leg as her previous injury, and was withdrawn as a precaution. She will be assessed by medics before England’s next match.
The match, which started an hour late due to rain, saw England bowl first. Ireland posted a total of 118 for nine from their 20 overs. Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets, while Dani Gibson and Charlie Dean each claimed two wickets. Orla Prendergast was Ireland’s top scorer with 26 runs from 18 balls, and Louise Little contributed 26 not out from 15 balls.
England’s chase began with a wobble, as they were reduced to 35 for three. Openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones, who scored 16 and nine respectively, both fell to catches. Alice Capsey was then bowled by Prendergast for five.
Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight then stabilised the innings with a partnership of 64 runs from 49 balls. Knight was eventually dismissed leg-before for 26 by Prendergast. After Sciver-Brunt’s retirement, Freya Kemp was run out for two. Charlie Dean then hit a boundary through the covers, and Alice Tector concluded the chase.
The result gives England two wins from two matches in their home World Cup campaign. Ireland, meanwhile, have now lost both of their matches in the tournament. Ireland will remain in Southampton for their next fixture against New Zealand on Friday.
The injury to Sciver-Brunt presents a significant concern for England, especially as she is considered a key player. England’s next match is scheduled against Scotland at Headingley.
In other tournament news, Sri Lanka achieved a higher run-chase of 151 against New Zealand on the same pitch earlier in the day. This result leaves New Zealand, the reigning champions, on the brink of elimination with two losses from two matches, opening up Group B. The winner of Thursday’s match between Scotland and West Indies will be in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages alongside group leaders England.
Charlie Dean, who previously played for Southern Vipers and Hampshire, delivered a wicket maiden in the powerplay, finishing with figures of two for 11. Ecclestone, despite conceding 13 runs in her first over, went on to take three wickets for 22 runs. Gibson also contributed with two wickets for 10 runs in her two overs. Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who scored a century at this ground in a One-Day Cup final last September, was dismissed for a duck.
Louise Little’s cameo included dispatching Lauren Bell’s 20th over for 17 runs. Little was playing in the match due to Ava Canning undergoing a precautionary scan for a lower back issue. Ireland’s performance, despite their loss, was seen as more encouraging than their previous defeat by Scotland.
England has four days until their next match against Scotland.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
