England down India ahead of Sri Lanka opener

Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 57 as England concluded their T20 World Cup preparation by holding their nerve in a thrilling five-run win over India before the opening match against Sri Lanka today.

Chasing 172 in Cardiff, India slumped to 87-5, and with an unlikely 38 required off the last two overs, Richa Ghosh whacked 21 off Issy Wong’s penultimate over and then a six and a four off Linsey Smith to leave six required off three balls.

But Smith won the battle to have Ghosh stumped for a sensational 68 from 36 balls and then removed Renuka Singh Thakur to secure a confidence-boosting win before the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sciver-Brunt spent welcome time in the middle, and alongside Amy Jones’ fluent 64 at the top of the order and a late cameo of 30 from 12 balls from all-rounder Dani Gibson, England posted a competitive 171-6.

The skipper had made just three in the previous warm-up against Australia, which England lost by five wickets, but has now alleviated some concerns about her lack of game time before the tournament.

The Australia match on Monday was Sciver-Brunt’s first international appearance this summer as she has been managing a calf injury.

After Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed early again for just three, the newly promoted Jones and Sciver-Brunt added 70 for the second wicket, before India wrestled back some control in the middle overs with three quick wickets.

Scores:

England 171-6 (20 overs): Nat Sciver-Brunt 57; Patil 2-29

India 166 in 19.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 68, Linsey Smith 3-42)