England edge Australia in a melodramatic Bengaluru warm‑up
England sealed a four-wicket victory over Australia in their final Women’s World Cup 2025 warm‑up in Bengaluru, with a composed chase that showcased a strong middle order and a game-changing spell from their bowling attack. Chasing 248 to win, England found themselves on 32 for 3, but an outstanding partnership between Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley steadied the ship and set the platforms for a successful run chase that finished in the 45th over.
Capsey’s spectacular unbeaten 88 guides the recovery
Capsey, who began the day with a perceived touch of the fevered tempo a top order often craves, steadied the innings with a measured innings that belied her years. Her 88 not out came off a long, patient vigil, and she stitched together an 82‑run stand with Dunkley to weather the early collapse. Capsey’s boundary-heavy finish and a key 109‑run alliance with Emma Lamb—who contributed 60—left England just four runs short of victory before Capsey finished the job with authority and precision.
Dunkley, Lamb, and a fought‑back middle order
Dunkley contributed 54 before being lbw off Darcie Brown, and Lamb’s 60 added valuable runs to England’s total. The fifth and sixth wickets were crucial since Danni Wyatt‑Hodge fell cheaply for 10, and the match looked poised to slip away after the early trio’s exits. However, Capsey’s anchor role combined with Lamb’s steady hands helped England reach the target with a comfortable margin in the end, showcasing depth in a squad that was balancing rotation with preparation for the World Cup.
England’s bowling: Glenn’s five‑wicket masterclass
On the other hand, Australia could only muster 247 all out in 34.4 overs, thanks to a brutal spell from leg-spinner Sarah Glenn who seized 5-32. It was a display of control and precision, puncturing Australia’s middle order at key moments. Lauren Bell got the early breakthrough, removing Australia captain Alyssa Healy with the very first ball of the innings, setting the tone for a collapse that began around 128-3 and spiralled to 167-8 as the traditional strong top order buckled under pressure.
Aussie resistance and a late flourish
Alyssa Healy fell early, but Phoebe Litchfield battled with 71 off 48 balls to keep Australia competitive, supported by a late cameo from Beth Mooney who struck 59 off 42 balls after a rejigged middle order, including Georgia Voll, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham all failing to reach double figures. Perry’s non‑appearance was noted as part of Australia’s rotating batting order, which didn’t yield the desired continuity in the middle overs.
World Cup context and England’s squad balance
England’s selection shuffle—opting to rotate the squad and cover fitness concerns—paid dividends here. The experienced top three of Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones and Heather Knight were among those who fell cheaply, underscoring the need for contributions from the middle order. Nat Sciver‑Brunt was missing, but Capsey’s manful innings and Glenn’s bowling heroics offered a blueprint for a balanced side that can adapt to India’s pitches and formats ahead of the tournament proper.
What this means as the World Cup approaches
With the Women’s World Cup 2025 looming, England will take confidence from a comprehensive win against a strong Australia unit. It demonstrated not only the potential of Capsey and Dunkley in the middle order but also the decisive impact Glenn can have with the ball. It also provided a tactical reminder of England’s depth—how Lamb’s recent form, combined with Capsey’s explosive all‑round capability, can drive England through tight chases while still allowing room for rotation and rest across the squad.
Looking ahead to the opening fixtures
The World Cup kicks off on Tuesday when India host Sri Lanka in Guwahati. England begin their campaign against South Africa at the same venue on Friday, aiming to translate warm‑up form into tournament success as they seek a deep run in the world’s marquee women’s cricket event.
