Freya Kemp inspired England to a 26-run victory over India in Bristol as the hosts levelled their T20 series 1-1 and lifted momentum ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup. England, who had been outplayed in the opening match, were struggling with the bat for much of their innings before Kemp produced a decisive late flourish. She scored 39 not out from 13 balls, including 24 runs in the final over, to carry England to 168-5 after the score had looked likely to fall well short of a competitive total.
India appeared to be in control early in their chase, reaching 70-1 in the ninth over, but England’s bowlers turned the match around after Kemp made an impact in the field. Kemp, who has only recently resumed bowling after a lengthy spell affected by back injury restrictions, dismissed the dangerous Smriti Mandhana for 32 at deep square leg. That breakthrough triggered a strong response from England, with Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone applying pressure and slowing India’s scoring.
India then used an unusual tactic, retiring out Yastika Bhatia after she made 33 from 36 balls, the first known instance of the method being used in a women’s T20 match between major nations. However, the move did not spark the comeback India needed. Kemp soon struck again, having substitute Jemimah Rodrigues caught off a slower ball, and England continued to chip away at the batting order.
With India needing 39 runs from the final two overs, their pursuit unraveled and they finished on 142-9. England also contributed to a tense contest by dropping two catches, and their batting remains an area for improvement, but the result was an important one after the disappointment of the first T20. The win gave England a timely confidence boost as they prepare for their World Cup opener against India at Edgbaston on 12 June.
The result also keeps the three-match series alive, with England now able to clinch it in the deciding match in Taunton on Tuesday. Kemp’s all-round influence, both with bat and ball, proved central to a turnaround that restored belief in England’s build-up to the tournament.
