Capsey’s match-winning assault seals the win for England
England closed their final Women’s World Cup 2025 warm-up in Bengaluru with a four-wicket victory over Australia, driven by a masterclass from Alice Capsey. Capsey remained unbeaten on 88 as England chased 248, reviving the innings after a wobbly start that saw the score 32-3 early in the chase. She stitched together an 82-run partnership with Sophia Dunkley, who contributed 54 before being dismissed leg-side by Darcie Brown. Danni Wyatt-Hodge fell for 10, leaving England still needing a substantial total, but Capsey steadied the ship and then linked up with Emma Lamb for a 109-run stand that brought England within reach.
The in-form Lamb, who had struck 81 in the other warm-up against India, looked to carry the momentum with a composed 60 before falling with just four runs needed. Capsey, however, remained unperturbed and guided England over the line with comfort in the 45th over. It was a notable recovery for a middle order reshaped by rotation ahead of a busy World Cup schedule, especially with Nat Sciver-Brunt rested as England tried several configurations behind the top three, Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones and Heather Knight, who all fell cheaply during the chase.
Glenn’s masterclass with the ball seals the innings
England’s bowlers produced an equally impressive display, led by leg-spinner Sarah Glenn who ripped through Australia with 5-32. England struck early when Lauren Bell dismissed Australia captain Alyssa Healy in the very first over, setting the tone for a strong fielding and bowling performance. Australia’s innings looked set for a sizeable total as opener Phoebe Litchfield struck 71 off 48 to propel them to 128-3 by the 16th over. But Glenn’s spell and the subsequent pressure toppled the middle order, and Australia staggered to 167-8 before Beth Mooney’s late 59 from 42 balls offered brief resistance.
Australia’s attempt to rebuild with Ellyse Perry absent from the line-up left a clearer path for England’s attack. The lower order could not sustain the momentum, and Glenn’s five wickets, coupled with tight fielding, ensured Australia were bowled out for 247 in 34.4 overs. It was a performance that highlighted England’s depth with the ball as well as in the middle order.
England’s middle-order resilience shines amid squad rotations
The warm-up match also showcased England’s breadth, as the team rotated players in preparation for a demanding World Cup schedule. The absence of Nat Sciver-Brunt gave others a chance to step up, with Capsey’s electric stroke play and Lamb’s steady control at the crease anchoring the chase. Beaumont and Knight were both dismissed early, and Jones contributed a steady 11 as the openers and top order failed to provide quick momentum. Yet Capsey and Lamb, along with Dunkley’s early 50s, forged the platform England needed, demonstrating that England can adapt their strategies while managing squad depth for the tournament in India.
A quick glance at the Australia innings
Australia’s innings was anchored by Litchfield’s 71, but a rejigged middle order—Georgina Voll, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham all falling for single digits—crashed the momentum. The early blow of Healy’s dismissal set the tone for a collapse that Glenn exploited with precise leg-spin and smart variations. Mooney’s late 59 offered a late heartbeat, but England’s disciplined bowling and fielding saw the target slip away, leaving Australia short of the finish line they had hoped for in this final warm-up.
World Cup 2025 starts soon
The 2025 Women’s World Cup is set to commence with India taking on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, while England begin their campaign against South Africa at the same venue on Friday. This warm-up win will give England momentum and confidence as they head into the tournament with a balanced unit and the belief they can repeat or exceed this level of performance under World Cup pressure.
