LEEDS: Danni Wyatt, the opening batswoman, showcased a flamboyant performance, propelling England women to a 34-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final T20 International held at Headingley on Sunday.
The triumph, largely attributed to Wyatt’s remarkable 87 runs off just 48 deliveries, secured a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep for the hosts. England asserted their dominance from the onset, clinching the series opener by 53 runs in Birmingham and extending their supremacy in the second encounter at Northampton, where they outmatched the visitors by 65 runs.
Opting to bat first at Headingley, England constructed a formidable total of 176 runs, eventually being all out within the stipulated overs, before curtailing Pakistan’s chase to 142-4.
In pursuit of the target, Pakistani openers Gull Feroza (30 off 29 balls) and Sidra Amin (26 off 29) laid a solid foundation with a commendable 60-run partnership in under nine overs. However, the departure of Sidra marked the onset of a minor collapse as Feroza, Sadaf Shamas (six), and Muneeba Ali (three) followed suit, leaving Pakistan reeling at 73-4 in 11.4 overs.
With the daunting task of scoring 104 runs off 50 balls, Pakistan managed to add only 69 more runs to their tally. Although Aliya Riaz (35 not out off 27) and Nida Dar (29 not out off 24) displayed resilience, their efforts fell short of bridging the gap.
In the earlier innings, Maia Bouchier (eight) and Wyatt provided England with a solid start, forming a 36-run opening partnership. Wyatt’s exceptional form saw her amass 47 runs off 19 deliveries, driving the team’s momentum with aggressive stroke play, particularly during the powerplay where she accumulated the bulk of England’s 40 runs.
Teaming up with Heather Knight, Wyatt orchestrated a commanding 59-run third-wicket alliance, where she emerged as the primary aggressor, contributing 47 runs off 19 balls. Wyatt’s half-century, achieved in the 11th over off 34 deliveries, showcased her prowess, including a striking display against off-spinner Nida, where she garnered 20 runs.
The whirlwind innings of Wyatt, adorned with twelve boundaries and one six, was eventually halted by medium-pacer Diana Baig. Nida accounted for the dismissal of her counterpart, while a run-out by Sidra terminated Alice Capsey’s innings in the 15th over, reducing England to 122-5.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, England managed to post a challenging total, with Amy Jones contributing 26 runs off 15 deliveries.
Diana emerged as the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming figures of 3-26 in her four overs, while Nida also chipped in with three wickets, supported by a solitary scalp from medium-pacer Fatima Sana.
England’s wicketkeeper-batter, Amy Jones, received the accolade of player-of-the-series for her consistent performances.
Summarized scores:
England women secured victory over Pakistan women by 34 runs.
ENGLAND: 176 in 20 overs (Danni Wyatt 87, Amy Jones 26; Diana Baig 3-26, Nida Dar 3-45); PAKISTAN: 142-4 in 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 35 not out, Gull Feroza 30, Nida Dar 29 not out, Sidra Amin 26; Sophie Ecclestone 1-19).