England’s new era under captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and coach Charlotte Edwards started with a comfortable eight-wicket win in the first T20 against West Indies in Canterbury.
The tourists posted 146-7 after captain Hayley Matthews’ superb unbeaten century, but England made light work of the chase by reaching the target in 16.3 overs thanks to Sophia Dunkley’s brilliant 81 not out from 55 balls.
Sciver-Brunt fell for a duck in her first match as permanent skipper, but her predecessor Heather Knight finished 43 not out alongside opener Dunkley.
Matthews’ sensational solo effort held West Indies together, with Mandy Mangru’s 17 the second-highest score after they had slipped to a dismal 87-6.
She reached her 67-ball ton from the final ball of the innings, having expertly farmed the strike as the wickets tumbled around her, with England’s Lauren Bell taking 2-29.
England’s new-look bowling attack after their Ashes humiliation included a recall for fast bowler Issy Wong, who took 1-35, while fellow seamer Em Arlott performed admirably with 1-28 on her international debut.
The three-match T20 series continues at Hove on Friday, and is followed by three one-day internationals.
More to follow.
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