Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s impressive performance, contributing 35 runs, steered England to a convincing five-wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai, serving as a valuable warm-up for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.
Batting first after winning the toss, New Zealand posted 127-4, propelled by Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 64 off 46 balls. England’s Lauren Bell made an impactful start, dismissing Suzie Bates for just 3 runs and finishing her three overs conceding only 13 runs.
Sarah Glenn also starred with the ball, maintaining tight control while allowing just 16 runs during her full spell. She claimed the key wicket of Sophie Devine, who scored 24 runs. Despite a rocky performance, New Zealand found a late boost from Izzy Gaze, who scored 26 not out in partnership with Kerr to set England a target of 128.
In response, England faced some challenges with wickets falling at regular intervals. Nonetheless, Wyatt-Hodge’s rapid score of 35 runs off just 19 balls laid a solid foundation for the chase. Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed with a steady 31 runs before Dani Gibson’s unbeaten 24 guided England home with 18 balls remaining.
As England gears up for their first tournament match against Bangladesh on October 5, reigning champions Australia showcased their form by dominating the West Indies in their warm-up, claiming victory after the West Indies collapsed from 68 runs without loss to 109 all out.
India also shone, with Deepti Sharma scoring 35 not out and taking 1 wicket for 2 runs as they defeated South Africa by 28 runs.
Women’s T20 World Cup Schedule:
- Thurs Oct 3: Bangladesh vs Scotland (Sharjah) – 11 am
- Thurs Oct 3: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Fri Oct 4: South Africa vs West Indies (Dubai) – 11 am
- Fri Oct 4: India vs New Zealand (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Sat Oct 5: Bangladesh vs England (Sharjah) – 11 am
- Sat Oct 5: Australia vs Sri Lanka (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Sun Oct 6: India vs Pakistan (Dubai) – 11 am
- Sun Oct 6: West Indies vs Scotland (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Mon Oct 7: England vs South Africa (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Tues Oct 8: Australia vs New Zealand (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Wed Oct 9: South Africa vs Scotland (Dubai) – 11 am
- Wed Oct 9: India vs Sri Lanka (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Thurs Oct 10: Bangladesh vs West Indies (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Fri Oct 11: Australia vs Pakistan (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Sat Oct 12: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (Sharjah) – 11 am
- Sat Oct 12: Bangladesh vs South Africa (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Sun Oct 13: England vs Scotland (Sharjah) – 11 am
- Sun Oct 13: India vs Australia (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Mon Oct 14: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Tues Oct 15: England vs West Indies (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Thurs Oct 17: Semi Final 1 (Dubai) – 3 pm
- Fri Oct 18: Semi Final 2 (Sharjah) – 3 pm
- Sun Oct 20: Final TBC (Dubai) – 3 pm
Catch every exciting moment of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup starting October 3, culminating with the final on October 20.
