England women’s cricket team began their T20 World Cup preparations with an impressive seven-wicket victory over New Zealand women’s cricket team in the opening T20 at Derby.
Chasing 137, England reached 140-3 in 17.2 overs thanks to a superb unbeaten 74 from 51 balls by Alice Capsey.
Opening the batting in the absence of Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Capsey struck three sixes and anchored the chase with a composed innings.
She also shared a match-winning 64-run partnership with Freya Kemp, who remained unbeaten on 31 from 20 deliveries.
England bowlers restrict New Zealand after early breakthrough
Earlier, New Zealand women’s cricket team were restricted to 136-7 after losing opener Georgia Plimmer to the very first ball of the match.
Fast bowler Lauren Bell made the breakthrough and later finished with figures of 2-23.
Captain Sophie Devine provided early momentum with a rapid 45 off 22 balls, including three sixes in one over against spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
However, after Devine was dismissed by Dani Gibson, New Zealand struggled to maintain the scoring rate.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith delivered a brilliant spell of 1-10, while Ecclestone endured a difficult outing, conceding 34 runs in three overs.
Capsey strengthens World Cup selection case
England entered the series without injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is sidelined with a calf issue.
That absence provided an opportunity for younger players, and Alice Capsey grabbed it emphatically.
After a slow start to her innings, Capsey accelerated confidently and showed maturity in pacing the chase, particularly against New Zealand’s seam attack.
Former England captain Alex Hartley praised Capsey’s development, saying the batter had adapted her game significantly after a difficult period earlier in her career.
Capsey herself credited a lengthy training block earlier in the year for helping improve her confidence and composure at the crease.
England continue preparations for T20 World Cup
The result gives England women’s cricket team an early boost ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins in June.
The three-match series continues on Saturday at Canterbury after the earlier ODI series between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw.
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