England A Women continued their impressive run with a solid 10-run win over New Zealand A Women in the first T20 of the tour, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Batting first, England A posted a competitive total of 164/9 on the board. The innings started with a cautious opening as Davina Perrin managed just 7 runs, but captain Grace Scrivens steadied the top order with a brisk 24 off 19 balls. The real momentum came through the middle as Seren Smale (31 off 25) and Jodi Grewcock (31 off 28) stitched a valuable 55-run partnership, anchoring the innings during the middle overs.
A late flourish was provided by Bess Heath, who smashed a quickfire 27 off just 13 deliveries, while Emma Jones chipped in with 14 off 6. However, the lower order couldn’t capitalize, contributing only single-digit scores as England lost wickets regularly towards the end.
For New Zealand A, Jess Watkin was the standout performer, delivering a commendable spell of 4 overs, picking up 6 wickets for just 21 runs, single-handedly dismantling the English lower order and keeping her side in the contest.
Chasing 165 for victory, New Zealand A began strongly. Openers Georgia Plimmer and captain Isabella Gaze laid the foundation with a 38-run partnership. Georgia made 14 off 20 with captain playing her knock 41 off 22 with a strike rate of 186.3. However, once the stand was broken, the middle order struggled to maintain momentum.
Jess Watkin (11) and Emma McLeod (4) failed to build on the start, but Izzy Sharp (38 off 23) and Nensi Patel (24 off 26) kept the chase alive with a fighting 30-run stand. Despite their efforts, the visitors eventually fell short, finishing at 154/9, just 10 runs behind the target.
England’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure, Ryana MacDonald-Gay was exceptional, picking up 4 wickets for 21 runs in her 4 overs, while Hannah Baker returned figures of 3/28. Captain Grace Scrivens also made an impact with the ball, claiming 1/11 in her two overs.
With this victory, England A Women take the early lead in the series and will be looking to maintain their dominance in the remaining two games.
