England 345/6 (Jones 122, Beaumont 107, Sciver-Brunt 52) beat West Indies 237 (Joseph 62, Smith 5/36) by 108 runs
England’s opening pair, Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, put on a stellar display in the first ODI against West Indies at Derby. Both batters scored centuries, guiding England to a commanding 345/6.
A Record-Setting Opening Stand
Jones, who opened the batting with Beaumont, made a remarkable 122 off 137 balls. This was her maiden international century, achieved after more than 200 appearances across formats for England. Beaumont contributed 107 runs off 113 balls, with both players forging a 222-run opening partnership, one of the largest in England Women’s ODI history.
Jones got off to a chanceless start, her first real chance coming when she was on 92. Jones hit her half-century in 59 balls, hitting three boundaries off Zaida James and later added more, expertly threading balls through the offside. Beaumont’s fifty came a little later, off 74 balls, and she accelerated quickly. Beaumont hit three sixes, including one spectacular shot over long-on, as her century came up in just 22 balls.
Strong Middle-Order Finish
Despite losing both openers, England’s middle order capitalized on the strong foundation. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s quickfire 52 off 36 balls, followed by Alice Capsey’s 24 off 19, kept the scoreboard ticking. Although the middle-order fell off after Beaumont’s dismissal, England’s batting depth saw them comfortably reach 345/6.
West Indies Fight Back with Joseph’s 62
In reply, West Indies began well with a solid opening partnership between Hayley Matthews (47) and Qiana Joseph (62). However, the innings was derailed by excellent bowling from England debutants, Linsey Smith and Em Arlott.
Smith, who made her ODI debut, was the standout performer with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul. Her accurate spin took wickets at crucial moments, and she ended with impressive figures of 5/36 from 10 overs. Arlott, also making her debut, contributed to the team’s success by taking important wickets and providing vital pressure in the middle overs.
Smith’s Debut Magic: A Five-Wicket Haul
Smith’s performance on her debut was nothing short of spectacular. She dismissed key West Indies batters, including a vital breakthrough against Matthews. Smith finished with 5 wickets, bowling out West Indies for 237, ensuring England’s comfortable victory by 108 runs.
While Joseph’s 62 and Alleyne’s stubborn 44 put up some resistance, the West Indies middle order crumbled under the pressure, with Smith taking three more wickets in the latter stages of the innings.
Conclusion
England’s commanding win by 108 runs was set up by a dominant partnership between Jones and Beaumont at the top of the order. Smith’s brilliant bowling performance with five wickets also played a crucial role in securing the victory. England will look to build on this momentum as the series progresses.
