England secured a comprehensive victory over Pakistan, winning by 65 runs in the second T20I at Northampton, to lead the series 2-0.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, England posted a competitive total of 144 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Maia Bouchier provided a brisk start, scoring 30 runs off 26 balls. Her innings, which included five boundaries, set the tone for England’s batting. Bouchier’s aggressive intent was evident as she took advantage of any loose deliveries, but her innings came to an end due to a sharp piece of fielding. Diana Baig and wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali combined brilliantly to run her out just as she was looking to accelerate.
Danni Wyatt, opening alongside Bouchier, contributed 6 runs from 6 deliveries, including one boundary, before falling to Waheeda Akhtar. Wyatt’s dismissal, bowled by Akhtar in the second over, meant England lost an early wicket, putting some pressure on the subsequent batters.
Alice Capsey, then played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. Capsey scored a steady 31 off 33 balls, hitting five boundaries, and provided a much-needed anchor at one end. Her composed batting allowed others to play around her. Capsey’s innings ended when she was caught behind by Muneeba Ali off the bowling of Nida Dar, but not before she had laid a solid foundation for England.
20 off the over 🔥
Alice Capsey wasting no time 👏
Follow along in the match centre ➡️ https://t.co/3TjwVWZo73#EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/VLtBxuwHD3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 17, 2024
Nat Sciver-Brunt came in and immediately shifted gears, playing a crucial role in the middle order. She scored a quickfire 31 off just 21 balls, which featured six fours. Sciver-Brunt’s aggressive approach helped accelerate the run rate and put pressure back on the Pakistani bowlers. She was eventually dismissed by Sadia Iqbal, caught by Fatima Sana, but her impactful innings ensured England maintained a healthy run rate.
Back in business 🤩
Match centre ➡️ https://t.co/3TjwVWZo73 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/sr6MQMBx3Q
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 17, 2024
Heather Knight and Amy Jones had brief stints at the crease. Knight managed 4 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Waheeda Akhtar off Diana Baig’s bowling. Jones, on the other hand, added 15 runs from 14 deliveries, including one boundary, before being stumped by Muneeba Ali off Nida Dar’s bowling. Their quick dismissals meant England had to rebuild quickly to avoid losing momentum.
Towards the end of the innings, Danielle Gibson and Sophie Ecclestone provided the late flourish. Gibson remained unbeaten on 18 off 9 balls, which included two fours and a six, showcasing her ability to find the boundary at crucial moments. Ecclestone contributed a rapid 7 off just 3 balls, hitting one boundary, and ensuring England finished on a high note. Their efforts took England to a total of 144 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers worked hard to contain the England batters, with Nida Dar being the most successful, taking 2 wickets for 33 runs in her 4 overs. Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, and Waheeda Akhtar each claimed a wicket, helping to keep the England score in check despite the frequent boundaries. However, the combined efforts of England’s batters ensured a challenging total for Pakistan to chase.
Chasing a target of 145, Pakistan’s innings faltered early and never recovered, ultimately being bowled out for just 79 in 15.5 overs. The England bowlers, led by Lauren Bell, made early inroads that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Belly with the breakthrough ✨
Match centre ➡️ https://t.co/3TjwVWZo73 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/s1HY9OT8I3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 17, 2024
Lauren Bell struck twice in quick succession, removing Gull Feroza for 3 and then Sadaf Shamas for a duck. Feroza was caught by Maia Bouchier, and Shamas was also dismissed cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 9 for 2 within the first three overs. This early double blow put Pakistan on the back foot, and they struggled to regain their footing throughout the innings.
What a catch, Danni Wyatt!!! 🔥
Follow along in the match centre ➡️ https://t.co/3TjwVWZo73 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/VaqwCCMtF6
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 17, 2024
Sidra Ameen tried to stabilize the innings with a cautious 11 off 16 balls, but her innings was cut short by a run-out orchestrated by the sharp fielding of Sophie Ecclestone and Amy Jones. This dismissal added to Pakistan’s woes, making it 41 for 4 and further diminishing their chances of a successful chase.
Muneeba Ali provided a brief glimmer of hope with an aggressive 18 off 12 balls, which included three boundaries. Her intent to counter-attack was evident, but her promising start was halted by Sophie Ecclestone, who caught and bowled her, triggering a collapse. Muneeba’s departure at 39 for 3 marked a turning point, as Pakistan lost their last semblance of resistance.
Nida Dar, the captain, could only manage 1 run before being trapped lbw by Sarah Glenn. This dismissal at 41 for 4 was a significant blow to Pakistan’s chances. Aliya Riaz then took the mantle and top-scored with 19 off 17 balls, hitting three boundaries. However, she found little support from the other end, and her efforts were in vain as wickets continued to tumble.
Fatima Sana scored 8 runs off 12 deliveries, but like her teammates, she couldn’t withstand the disciplined English bowling. Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone were particularly effective, with Glenn taking 2 for 10 and Ecclestone claiming 3 for 11. Their tight and probing spells ensured that Pakistan never got the momentum needed to chase down the target.
Alice Capsey, who had already impressed with the bat, capped off a fine all-round performance by taking 2 for 4 in her two overs. Her dismissal of Aliya Riaz was crucial, as it effectively ended any remaining hopes Pakistan had. Capsey’s figures underlined her significant contribution to England’s dominant performance.
Immediate impact from Alice Capsey! 👏
Follow along in the match centre ➡️ https://t.co/3TjwVWZo73 #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/ZssmoSqyGE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 17, 2024
Pakistan’s innings was marked by regular wickets and a lack of substantial partnerships. The highest partnership of the innings was just 19 runs for the fifth wicket between Sidra Ameen and Aliya Riaz, highlighting their struggles. The frequent fall of wickets meant Pakistan could never build a platform to challenge the target set by England.
England’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding were instrumental in their dominant victory. Each bowler contributed to the pressure on the Pakistani batters, and the fielders supported them with athleticism and precision. This comprehensive performance led to Pakistan being bowled out for a mere 79, giving England a resounding 65-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Good night at the office 🏴
See you Sunday, England fans 👋#EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/F8ufbTrJOV
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 17, 2024
England’s victory by 65 runs was comprehensive, highlighting their dominance in both batting and bowling departments, and securing a series win with one game to spare.
England vs Pakistan 2nd T20I: Brief Score
Match Summary: ENG- 144/6 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 31, Alice Capsey 31; Nida Dar 2-33) beat Pakistan 79 all out in 15.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 19; Sophie Ecclestone 3-11, Alice Capsey 2-4) by 65 runs.
Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.