GIRL POWER CAN GET STRONGER
NAT SCIVER-BRUNT says there is more to come from England after a seven-wicket win over West Indies in their opening game at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
England demonstrated their new aggressive style as they raced to their target of 136 in just 14.3 overs in South Africa yesterday.
Nat Sciver-Brunt finished 40 not out and captain Heather Knight scored 32 as
pair made an unbroken 67 to guide England home with 33 balls to spare.
England face Ireland in their next game tomorrow, and Nat Sciver-Brunt revealed: “We want to be aggressive and take the game on and walk towards the danger.
“The more we do that under pressure the better.
“We are adapting to the wickets really well.
“We are having fun out here – and hopefully we can keep that going.”
West Indies made 135-7 with opener and captain Hayley Matthews making a quickfire 42 while Shemaine Campbelle added 34.
But world No.1 bowler Sophie Ecclestone turned the tide to dismiss Matthews and shift the momentum of the match England’s way.
Ecclestone went on to claim 3-23 while Katherine Sciverthe
Brunt and Sarah Glenn both claimed one wicket each, alongside two run-outs.
Opener Sophia Dunkley epitomised the attacking approach with 34 off 17 balls.
And Knight smashed Chinelle Henry for six to get England’s World Cup campaign off to the perfect start.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was named player of the match, added: “It was a bit tricky to start with, the pitch was a bit two-paced. But I was boundary-focused and happy to see the team home.”
West Indies’ Matthews said: “We spoke about getting above 145 or 150. We had a decent start, weren’t able to capitalise on the end but it was still a fighting total.
“Every match is very important but the next one (against India) is crucial. We will take the positives and look at what we can do a bit better.”