England Women delivered a dominant all-round performance to crush West Indies Women by nine wickets in the second T20I at Hove. With this emphatic win, England sealed the T20 series 2-0, showcasing complete control with both bat and ball. England chased down a modest target of 82 in just 9.2 overs, underlining their superiority in the T20 format.
West Indies Struggle with the Bat Again
The West Indies Women’s team put on another underwhelming display with the bat, managing only 81 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. England’s bowlers maintained tight lines and aggressive lengths, completely outclassing the Windies batters.
In-form captain Hayley Matthews, who had scored an unbeaten century in the first T20I, looked promising with a stylish boundary off Em Arlott, but was bowled the very next delivery. Matthews’ dismissal for just 6 set the tone for the West Indies collapse.
Em Arlott, playing only her second international match, impressed once again with figures of 3 for 14. Her dismissals included Matthews and veteran Stafanie Taylor, who fell for a golden duck. Lauren Bell also shone, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs, while spinner Charlie Dean bowled economically, picking up 2 wickets for just 12 runs in her four overs.
Only two West Indies players reached double digits—Shemaine Campbelle scored 26 and Shabika Gajnabi added 22. The rest of the batting lineup failed to build any partnerships, and with 74 dot balls in their innings, the lack of intent was evident.
England Women Cruise to Victory
England women’s response was swift and clinical. Despite losing opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge to the very first ball of the innings, the home side made light work of the run chase. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 55 off just 30 deliveries. Her innings included 10 boundaries and came at a strike rate of 183.
Sciver-Brunt, who was dismissed for a duck in the first T20I, made a strong comeback with the bat, dominating the West Indies bowling attack. Partnering her was Sophia Dunkley, who added a steady 24 not out, allowing her captain to take the lead in the chase.
England Women wrapped up the match in 9.2 overs, reaching 82 for 1 and securing the series in style. The victory, with 64 balls remaining, marked one of England’s most dominant T20 wins in recent times.
Arlott Impresses in New-Look England Attack
With new head coach Charlotte Edwards at the helm, England’s women’s cricket team has undergone a refreshing change in strategy, especially in their pace attack. Em Arlott, the standout performer in this match, set the tone early and justified her inclusion with pace and control. Her ability to pick up key wickets early shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour.
Lauren Bell, who emerged as a reliable seamer during the Women’s Ashes, continued her form by dismissing Qiana Joseph early. Dunkley’s stunning one-handed catch at mid-wicket to dismiss Zaida James further energized the England women fielding unit.
Charlie Dean, with her tidy spell, kept the pressure on from the other end, never allowing West Indies to settle. The England women bowlers operated in unison, showing discipline and commitment, which led to yet another collapse from the visitors.
West Indies Batting Concerns Continue
The West Indies Women’s cricket team continues to struggle in T20 cricket. Their over-reliance on Hayley Matthews is evident, and the absence of experienced players like Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry has been sorely felt. The rest of the batting lineup has failed to step up, making their chances in the final match and upcoming ODIs increasingly bleak.
The Windies failed to adapt to the conditions and could not counter England women’s pace and spin effectively. Their inability to rotate strike and build partnerships remains a significant area of concern.
What They Said
Player of the Match Em Arlott: “We were great as a unit. Everybody stood up and did their job. The mood in the camp is obviously great, and the group has been very welcoming.”
England Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: “We set a high standard in the first match, and we probably topped it here. This is a great confidence booster.”
West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews: “It’s a bit disappointing. We knew this would be a tough tour without some of our experienced players. We need to find a way to compete better.”
Looking Ahead
The final T20I between England Women and West Indies Women will be played at Chelmsford on Monday. With the series already sealed, England might look to experiment with their lineup, while West Indies will aim to salvage some pride.
This series win marks a strong start to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s leadership and offers promising signs for England Women as they prepare for the ODI leg of the tour. If West Indies are to bounce back, significant improvements—particularly in their batting—are essential.
