Knight hails Smith after impressive return to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup stage
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Heather Knight was delighted to see her selection gamble pay off as a spin-heavy attack shone for England in their 21-run win over Bangladesh in Match Six of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah.
The England skipper was faced with a dilemma in the build-up as she deliberated picking the extra pace of Lauren Bell or the guile of Linsey Smith.
Smith got the nod for her first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match since 2018 and repaid Knight’s faith with a miserly spell which saw her claim two for 11 in four overs.
“I’m really happy for Linsey, six years after her last World Cup game, to come in and put in that sort of performance,” Knight said. “She was picked on the first game (Australia v Sri Lanka), we had a look at what was going on and we felt she would be really effective in these conditions, with the trajectory of the ball and how she keeps the stumps in the game without much pace.
“It was a tricky decision but the right one and we will have to be adaptable throughout the competition.”
England were indebted to openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who picked up the Player of the Match award following her 41, and Maia Bouchier (23) for their opening stand of 48 in tricky conditions. Only Amy Jones (12 not out) joined them in double figures as England were restricted to 118 for seven but the total always looked enough as an attack containing four spinners seized control, Charlie Dean (2/22) joining Smith in taking two scalps – including top scorer Sobhana Mostary for 44.
“Conditions were tough out there for boundary hitting so the way Danni (Wyatt-Hodge) and Boosh (Maia Bouchier) set the tone was outstanding,” Knight continued. “There are a few bits we can do better, but we are really pleased with the win. It wasn’t far off par but if we can push up to 135 or 140, that’s a really good score on that type of wicket.
“It won’t be beautiful at times, and we will have to graft in these conditions to minimise dot balls as boundaries will be really hard to hit.”
Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana rued a missed opportunity for her side as they suffered their first defeat of the competition having beaten Scotland in their opener.
Nigar was run out for 15 at a crucial point in the chase, leaving her side 52 for three midway through the 12th over, and they were unable to capitalise on the platform Sobhana helped build.
“We have missed a good opportunity to beat a really good side,” she said. “The bowlers did a great job for us. They started really well in the powerplay, but we regained control. On this kind of surface, we had to have a good partnership, but we didn’t get much up and running in the powerplay and that cost us.
“We gave some of our wickets away and I got out at the wrong time. Sobhana played really well in the last game also and we are happy with how she has been consistent for the team. Hopefully she can continue that in the next few games.”
ENDS