Dunkley and Knight's Heroics Help England Seal Win Despite Matthews

🌟 Hayley Matthews Shines Solo 100 off 67 balls* – Matthews carried the West Indies innings almost single-handedly. Only two teammates reached double figures (next best: Mandy Mangru, 17). West Indies posted 146/7, which looked competitive but lacked support around their captain. 🏏 England’s Bowling Highlights Lauren Bell led the attack with 2/29, removing Qiana Joseph and Zaida James in quick succession. Linsey Smith, standing in as the lone left-arm spinner in Sophie Ecclestone's absence, was excellent: 1/18 in 4 overs. Debutant Em Arlott and Issy Wong both grabbed a wicket each, though Matthews made them work hard. 🧠 Charlotte Edwards Era Begins Strong This was the first match under new head coach Charlotte Edwards and new captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. A 91-run unbroken third-wicket partnership between Sophia Dunkley (78)* and Heather Knight (43)* sealed the win with 21 balls to spare. 🔍 Key Batting Moments Dunkley, opening in place of Maia Bouchier, gave England early momentum and stability. Her fifty came off 34 balls, and she was dropped on 62, a chance that proved costly for West Indies. Knight took over the finishing duties with four boundaries in her final 12 balls, calmly guiding the chase. 💥 Match Summary West Indies: 146/7 (20 overs) Hayley Matthews 100*, Lauren Bell 2/29 England: 150/2 (16.3 overs) Sophia Dunkley 78*, Heather Knight 43* England won by 8 wickets 📌 What This Means A statement win for England post-T20 World Cup exit—both for Edwards’ leadership and the team’s renewed direction. For West Indies, Matthews’ brilliance only further highlights the lack of depth without Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry. A strong England performance with ball and bat sets the tone for the rest of the series.