ENG vs WI, 1st WT20I: England thrashes West Indies by eight wickets in series opener

England Women began its new era under coach Charlotte Edwards with an eight-wicket win over West Indies Women in the first T20I at the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury on Wednesday.

Skipper Hayley Matthews’ unbeaten century held the visitors’ innings together, but Sophia Dunkley and Heather Knight’s 94-run stand made easy work of the 147 target.

After being put to bat, West Indies could never find stability, losing wickets at frequent intervals. Opener Matthews watched her side collapse at the other end but battled through to her third T20I hundred.

The 27-year-old smashed 16 fours and a six en route to an 67-ball 100 to help West Indies post 146 for seven.

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Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Dunkley stitched a 50-run partnership before the former was dismissed for 17. New English captain Nat Sciver-Brunt failed to get going, departing for a two-ball duck.

Her predecessor, Knight, joined Dunkley in the middle, and the pair were at their aggressive best from thereon. Dunkley scored a 56-ball 81, including 16 fours, while Knight played a supportive role with her knock of 43 off 27 with six fours.

England completed the chase with 21 balls remaining and eight wickets to spare.