Report: England v Pakistan, Women's IT20
Wicket-keeper Amy Jones shone at her home ground as England recovered from a difficult start to beat Pakistan by 53 runs in the first international of the summer at Edgbaston.
England’s pre-match positivity was muted as they slipped to 11/4 inside the first three overs, but a fightback from Heather Knight and Birmingham-born Amy Jones, who was making her 100th IT20 appearance and was awarded Player of the Match, led the hosts to 163/6.
The duo put on a fifth-wicket stand of 67 to get Edgbaston rocking with Danielle Gibson raising the roof with 41 not out (21 balls) to set a punchy total.
In reply, Pakistan mustered 110 all out, although English nerves were tested after a positive start.
The Women in Green finished the powerplay on 57/2, compared to England’s 29/4, but a cluster of wickets from Sarah Glenn (4/12) and Lauren Bell (3/22) led to a collapse.
The visitors were 66/2, and on top, but less than 11 overs later were dismissed in front of a partisan 12,241 crowd.
England will have food for thought after their opening period. Maia Bouchier, Danni Wyatt and Alice Capsey all fell cheaply, before all-rounder Freya Kemp was calamitously run out for a duck.
But step forward the captain and the home town girl. Knight scored 49 and Jones 37 before Gibson’s brilliance posted a punchy total.
The Green Shirts will take plenty of heart however as the three-match series continues at Northampton on Friday.
Sadaf Shamas’ 35 from 24 balls was a highlight and they will look for more support from the middle order.
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