Freya Kemp Shines as England Women Level Series with 26-Run Win Over India Women in 2nd T20I
Asked to bat first, England posted a competitive 168 for 5 in their 20 overs. The hosts were struggling to accelerate after regular wickets, despite useful contributions from Danni Wyatt-Hodge (29), Amy Jones (28) and Alice Capsey (28). India’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Sree Charani, kept the scoring rate under control through the middle overs.
However, the match turned dramatically in the final stages of the innings. Freya Kemp launched a stunning assault on the Indian attack, smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 13 deliveries. Her knock included four boundaries and two sixes and came at a strike rate of 300. Danielle Gibson provided valuable support with an unbeaten 11 off seven balls as the pair added crucial late runs to push England to 168/5. Charani was India’s standout bowler with figures of 3 for 25.
Chasing 169, India began positively with Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia building a solid platform. Mandhana struck 32 off 25 balls, while Bhatia contributed 33. At one stage, India appeared well placed to challenge the target, but England’s bowlers tightened their grip during the middle overs.
Freya Kemp once again made the difference, dismissing both Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues at key moments to derail India’s chase. Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone applied relentless pressure with disciplined bowling, while Lauren Bell also chipped in with important wickets.
India’s innings gradually lost momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. The visitors eventually finished on 142 for 9 in their 20 overs, falling 26 runs short of the target. England’s bowlers executed their plans effectively in the death overs, preventing India from mounting a late comeback.
Kemp’s outstanding all-round display earned her the Player of the Match award and helped England draw level in the series after their defeat in the opening game. The result sets up an exciting series decider, with both teams looking to gain momentum ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
England Women won by 26 runs and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

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