Ajit Karn
Women’s T20 World Cup
A remarkable 22-ball 51 from top-order batswoman Alice Capsey propelled England to a four-wicket victory against nearby Ireland in their Women’s T20 World Cup group encounter on Monday. Capsey, who was purchased by Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh at the Women’s Premier League auctions on Monday, hit up to 10 fours during her lightning-quick innings, destroying Ireland and assisting England in securing the victory — their second straight — with 34 balls remaining. After opener Sophia Dunkley (4) was out cheaply in the first over, England was 69 for 1 at the conclusion of the powerplay overs as they chased a meagre 106 to win. Capsey was powerful with a flurry of boundaries.
Following Capsey’s ejection on the second ball of the seventh over, England sputtered and sputtered its way towards the goal. Mumbai Indians purchased Nat Sciver-Brunt (5) for a record Rs 3.2 crore at the WPL auctions, and she was quickly dismissed, along with skipper Heather Knight (14) and wicketkeeper Amy Jones (12).
Although England comfortably reached the finish line, reaching 107 for 6 in 14.2 overs with Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone still not out on 5 and 0, respectively, thanks to Capsey’s fireworks (strike rate of 231.8) and the low goal.
Cara Murray took three wickets for Ireland, totaling 15 runs, while Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly each took one.
Ecclestone (3/13), Sarah Glenn (3/19), and Charlie Dean (2/26), an England spin trio, had caused havoc on the Irish hitters, skipping them for 105 in 18.2 overs.
When Ireland decided to bat, they had a batting collapse as a result of the England spin trio’s stifling bowling. Only the top four Irish hitters were able to reach double digits.
Before Amy Hunter (15) was removed, Ireland got off to a respectable start with a partnership of 35 runs from 5.1 overs between Gaby Lewis (36) and herself. When Lewis went out on the third ball of the 13th over, leaving them at 80 for 3, they were still in a respectable position.
However, Ireland swiftly lost seven wickets for only 25 runs in 5.5 overs, and their innings was over (35 balls).
Ireland’s best scorer, Lewis, had a 37-ball 36 with five fours. The highest Irish stand came during the first exchange between Lewis and Hunter.
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Ecclestone, who was purchased by UP Warriorz during the WPL auctions, took down Lewis and Eimear Richardson (0) in the 13th over with two wickets in two balls, but she was unable to complete her hat-trick. Laura Delany, the captain of Ireland, was another important victim of hers (12).
Two wickets were taken by the pacers Lauren Bell and Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
