England A and New Zealand A are set to lock horns in the second Women’s T20 of the 3-match series on July 6, following a closely contested opening game. In the first match, played at the County Ground, Chelmsford, England A Women edged out New Zealand A Women by 10 runs, defending a total of 164/9 as New Zealand A finished on 154/9 after 20 overs. Ryana Macdonald-Gay was the standout performer for England A, claiming 4 wickets for 21 runs and playing a decisive role in the final overs.
Both teams showed depth and resilience in the opening encounter. England A’s batting lineup posted a competitive score, with contributions throughout the order, while New Zealand A’s chase was anchored by Izzy Sharp and Nensi Patel, who kept their side in contention until the closing stages. The match highlighted the strength of England A’s bowling attack, particularly in pressure situations, and the fighting spirit of New Zealand A’s middle order.
As the series moves to the County Ground, Beckenham for the second game, both sides will be eager to make adjustments. England A will look to capitalize on their momentum and seal the series, while New Zealand A will aim to bounce back and level the contest. The pitch at Beckenham is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball, setting the stage for another competitive T20 clash.
Squads:
England A Women’s Cricket Team
Seren Smale, Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Charis Pavely, Emma Jones, Davina Perrin, Bess Heath, Mahika Gaur, Grace Potts, Hannah Baker, Ryana Macdonald-Gay, Ella McCaughan, Alexa Stonehouse, Tilly Corteen-Coleman
New Zealand A Women’s Cricket Team
Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Jess Watkin, Izzy Sharp, Polly Inglis, Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel, Izzy Gaze, Emma Black, Molly Penfold, Bree Illing, Anna Browning, Bella James, Amie Hucker, Hannah Rowe
Players to watch out:
Grace Scrivens
Grace Scrivens is a talented English all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin. She has scored 182 runs in her last 10 T20 innings with the bat and has also picked up 6 wickets with the ball. She has been a consistent and key performer for the side. England A Women would want Scrivens to continue her run throughout the series and be handy with the bat for them.
Ryana MacDonald-Gay
Ryana MacDonald-Gay is a 21-year-old English cricketer who plays as a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter. She represents Kent, Oval Invincibles, and the England national team, having made her ODI, T20I, and Test debuts in 2024. In her last 10 outings with the ball, she has picked up 15 wickets and has been a vital player with the ball, with two four-wicket hauls.
Jess Watkin
Jess Watkin is a right-handed batting all-rounder and right-arm off-break bowler. She has played for Central Districts and, more recently, Northern Districts in domestic cricket. Watkin is known for her aggressive batting and useful off-spin. In her last 9 T20 innings, she has scored 214 runs with the bat and has struck 12 wickets with the ball, including a 6-wicket haul in her most recent game.
Isabelle Gaze
Isabelle Gaze is a Dutch-born New Zealand cricketer, who plays as a wicketkeeper-batter for Auckland Hearts and the New Zealand women’s national team. Gaze is recognized for her excellent hand-eye coordination, positive attitude, and is seen as a rising talent in New Zealand women’s cricket. In her last 10 innings with the bat, she has scored 202 runs and has been a key contributor taking her team to new levels.
Pitch:
The pitch at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham is considered balanced, offering opportunities for both batters and bowlers, evident from the average score of 154. While it provides decent bounce and pace, which favors fast bowlers—who have taken about 75% of the wickets here—it also allows batters to score freely once they settle in.
Weather:
With rain on the radar during match hours, expect delays and interruptions. Conditions will likely be overcast and damp, so teams should be prepared for a rain-curtailed match.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Jess Watkin, Izzy Sharp, Nensi Patel, Izzy Gaze, Seren Smale, Grace Scrivens, Jodi Grewcock, Bess Heath, Ryana Macdonald-Gay
Match Details:
Date – July 5, 2025
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
