England’s women’s cricket team overcame a disastrous start to defeat Pakistan by 53 runs in the opening match of their home international summer.
After losing four wickets for just 11 runs in the first three overs, England were rescued by a match-saving partnership between Amy Jones and Heather Knight. Jones, playing her 100th T20I, scored 37 off 27 balls, while Knight contributed 49 off 39 deliveries.
Dani Gibson’s unbeaten 41 off 21 balls helped England post a competitive total of 163 for 6. Pakistan made a spirited start to their chase, but leg-spinner Sarah Glenn’s four-wicket haul kept them in check.
Glenn, playing her first match for England since suffering a concussion during the recent tour of New Zealand, finished with figures of 4 for 12 from her four overs. Seamer Lauren Bell took three wickets, while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone and off-spinner Charlie Dean claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan’s chase was derailed by a series of run-outs and poor shot selection. Sadaf Shamas top-scored with 35 off 24 balls, but her dismissal in an unnecessary run-out proved to be a turning point.
England’s victory was a testament to their resilience and the depth of their batting lineup. Despite losing their top order cheaply, they were able to recover and post a competitive total. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s batters, and their fielding was also error-prone.
