England extended their winning start at the Women's T20 World Cup with a 38-run victory over Scotland at Headingley. Sophia Dunkley top-scored with 57 from 37 balls, while Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson added quick runs in the death overs to propel England to 200 for 5. Scotland, in reply, managed 153 for 6, with Sarah Bryce top-scoring with 34.
England's innings: Dunkley leads the charge
After being asked to bat, England lost Amy Jones for a first-ball duck in the opening over, caught by Megan McColl off Kirstie Gordon. However, Dunkley counterattacked, reaching her half-century off 33 balls. She was dropped three times before finally being caught by Hannah Rainey off Kathryn Bryce for 57. Alice Capsey also contributed 40 from 25 balls, and captain Heather Knight made 25. The late fireworks came from Kemp, who smashed 39 off 16, and Gibson, who remained unbeaten on 30 off 11, adding 61 runs in the final three overs.
Scotland's chase: early promise fades
Scotland began positively, with Katherine Fraser hitting 23 off 13 balls before being bowled by Charlie Dean. Sarah Bryce top-scored with 34, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Sophie Ecclestone took 2 for 19, including the key wicket of Kathryn Bryce for 6. Scotland finished on 153 for 6, with Pippa Sproul making 22 not out on her World Cup debut.
Key moments and turning points
Dunkley's innings was the cornerstone of England's total, surviving three dropped catches. The late partnership between Kemp and Gibson proved decisive, adding 61 runs in 18 balls. Scotland's fielding was sloppy, with several misfields and dropped catches costing them dearly.
What the win means for the tournament
England top Group A with three wins from three, while Scotland sit fourth with two points. Scotland face New Zealand on Tuesday in Bristol, while England play West Indies on Wednesday at Lord's. Dunkley was named player of the match for her 57, her first T20 World Cup half-century.
