22 May, 2025 | 08:46 AM
England launched a new era in women’s cricket with a statement eight-wicket win over West Indies in the opening T20I in Canterbury, overcoming a brilliant unbeaten century from Hayley Matthews to kick off the Charlotte Edwards-Nat Sciver-Brunt era on a high.
Chasing 147, Sophia Dunkley (78* off 54) and Heather Knight (43* off 33) led England home with 21 balls to spare, securing a confident victory and avenging their group-stage defeat to West Indies in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With Edwards calling for leadership and consistency from her top five, Dunkley responded emphatically in her return to the opening slot. Partnering with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, she helped set the tone with a 50-run opening stand in just 5.2 overs. Wyatt-Hodge was bowled by Zaida James after an unfortunate ricochet, and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt departed soon after for a second-ball duck, feathering a slog-sweep off Afy Fletcher.
Unfazed, Dunkley built a match-winning partnership with Knight. She brought up her fifty in 34 balls and survived a key dropped chance on 62 by Aaliyah Alleyne. Knight, ever composed, took control in the final overs, striking three boundaries in a single over from James before Dunkley sealed the win with a boundary off Cherry-Ann Fraser.
Earlier, West Indies posted 146 for 7, thanks solely to captain Hayley Matthews' magnificent unbeaten 100 off 67 balls. In an otherwise fragile batting effort, Matthews’ knock stood out as she became the only West Indies batter to cross 20. Mandy Mangru’s 17 was the second-highest score, underlining the team’s heavy reliance on their skipper.
Lauren Bell (2 for 29) was the pick of the England bowlers, while debutant Em Arlott, Issy Wong, and Linsey Smith picked up one wicket each. Smith was also economical, conceding just 18 runs in her four overs.
Matthews’ innings featured elegant strokeplay, including three consecutive fours off Charlie Dean, and a flurry of boundaries in the death overs. She reached her century in dramatic fashion, needing a single off the final ball after clipping a boundary the previous delivery. Her delight was evident as she raised her bat to celebrate the landmark.
The fielding effort, a sore point in their World Cup exit, showed significant improvement. A smart run-out by wicketkeeper Amy Jones and better ground fielding highlighted the team's renewed intent. Matthews, however, proved too good for even a revitalized England fielding side, holding the innings together with class and composure.
This win not only gives England a 1-0 lead in the series but also sends a clear message about the new regime's direction — bold selections, improved fielding, and stability at the top. With two more T20Is to go, England will aim to build momentum, while West Indies will hope for more support around their star captain.
The series continues with the second T20I later this week.
