Freya Kemp delivered an outstanding all-round performance to lead England to a 26-run victory over India in the second Women's T20 International in Bristol on Saturday. The win leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a decisive final T20I in Taunton on Tuesday.
Kemp's Explosive Batting Lifts England
Batting first, England were struggling at 129/5 after 18 overs, but Kemp changed the course of the innings with a blistering unbeaten 39 off just 13 balls. She struck two sixes and two fours, powering England to 168/5. The final two overs yielded 39 runs, including 24 from the last over bowled by Arundhati Reddy. Earlier, left-arm spinner Shree Charani had impressed for India with figures of 3/25, keeping England in check during the middle overs.
India's Chase Stalls
India began their chase strongly, with openers Shafali Verma (22 off 14) and Smriti Mandhana (32 off 25) adding 43 runs in quick time. At 78/2 after 10 overs, India were well placed. However, England's spinners Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone applied the brakes, making boundaries scarce. Yastika Bhatia scored 33 off 36 balls but was retired out as the required rate climbed. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 28 off 22, becoming only the third batter to reach 4,000 runs in Women's T20Is, but her dismissal proved crucial.
Kemp and Dean Seal the Win
Kemp returned with figures of 2/15, removing Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, while Dean dismissed Richa Ghosh (8) and Harmanpreet in quick succession. India finished at 142/9, falling short by 26 runs. The series now heads to a thrilling finale in Taunton.
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