England vs India: Freya Kemp powers England to victory in Bristol as World Cup preparations step up

Freya Kemp produced a decisive all-round impact as England levelled their T20 series against India with a 26-run win in Bristol, strengthening their build-up to the T20 World Cup. After being heavily outplayed in the first match on Thursday, England struggled for much of their innings before Kemp transformed the finish, striking 24 runs in the final over to lift the hosts to 168-5. She ended unbeaten on 39 from just 13 balls, rescuing England from a position that had looked far below par only two overs earlier.

India’s chase began confidently and they were well placed at 70-1 in the ninth over, with Smriti Mandhana looking in control on 32. But Kemp, who has recently returned to bowling after more than a year affected by back injury restrictions, delivered another key moment by taking Mandhana’s wicket at deep square leg. That breakthrough shifted the momentum and triggered a strong England response in the field.

Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone then helped England slow India’s scoring, building pressure before the wickets began to fall in quick succession. India also used an unusual tactical move by retiring out Yastika Bhatia after she made 33 from 36 balls, marking the first time the tactic has been used in a women’s T20 between major nations. The decision did not change the outcome, however, as England continued to tighten their grip.

Kemp then removed Jemimah Rodrigues with a slower ball after Bhatia’s departure, and India’s innings quickly unraveled. Needing 39 from the final two overs, the visitors collapsed to 142-9, falling well short of the target and handing England a much-needed victory.

Although England still had concerns, particularly in batting consistency and with two dropped catches in the field, the result provides a timely confidence boost ahead of the World Cup. Their opening match at Edgbaston is scheduled for 12 June, and this win prevents the team from heading into that tournament on the back of a second straight defeat.

Instead, England now enter the series decider in Taunton on Tuesday with the chance to secure the contest and build momentum. The victory was significant not only because of the margin, but because it showed England can recover under pressure, find late runs, and defend a challenging total against a strong India side.

Kemp’s performance stood out as the defining factor. Her explosive batting changed the shape of the match, and her wicket-taking contribution ensured England converted that late advantage into a controlled win. With the World Cup approaching, England will hope this result marks the start of a stronger run of form and a more settled balance to their side.