Freya Kemp starred with bat and ball as England secured a series-levelling T20 victory over India by 26 runs in Bristol.
Kemp came to the crease with England floundering on 116-4 after 16.4 overs but hammered an inspired 39 runs in 13 balls to help the hosts finish 168-5 after 20 overs.
The all-rounder then removed the dangerous Smriti Mandhana (32 off 25) to derail India’s pursuit of 169 as they were bowled out for 142, way short of a series-clinching victory.
Having levelled the series after defeat in the first T20 in Chelmsford, England host India in Taunton on Tuesday – live on Sky Sports – looking to complete their T20 World Cup preparations with a series victory.
England take India to T20 decider
A sluggish start to England’s innings was compounded when Sophia Dunkley edged behind off Nandini Sharma, with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh taking a razor-sharp catch to leave the hosts 21-1 at the start of the fifth over.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge, on her return from maternity leave, led England’s fightback, smashing three fours in a handy 29 off 25 balls before she was sent on her way when she slashed Shree Charani into the hands of Mandhana at short third.
Charani proved a constant thorn in England’s side, dismissing Amy Jones after she had picked up the baton from Wyatt-Hodge with 28 off 22 balls, before removing Heather Knight for 18 with a caught-and-bowled dismissal to prevent her from kicking on.
Alice Capsey offered further resistance, scoring at better than a run a ball before she was bowled by Shreyanka Patil after committing too early to a reverse sweep.
It left England on 126-5 with 2.3 overs remaining, well short of a par score, but an inspired 13-ball cameo from Kemp transformed the complexion of the contest.
Kemp blasted four fours and two sixes as she and Dani Gibson added 39 valuable runs in the final two overs to post a defendable total, which England’s bowlers then successfully defended.
More to follow.
England vs India T20I series results/fixtures
All times UK and Ireland, all live on Sky Sports
- First T20I (Chelmsford) – India won by 38 runs
- Second T20I (Bristol) – England won by 26 runs
- Third T20I (Taunton) – Tuesday June 2 (6.30pm)
Watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live in full on Sky Sports from June 12-July 5. Hosts England kick off the tournament on opening night with a game versus Sri Lanka at Edgbaston (6.30pm start). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
