Freya Kemp’s all-round performance levels England’s T20I series with India]

England 168 for 5 (Kemp 39*, Shree Charani 3-25) beat India 142 for 9 (Yastika 33, Kemp 2-15, Dean 2-20, Bell 2-33) by 26 runs

Freya Kemp delivered a decisive all-round performance to help England level the T20I series against India with a 26-run victory in Bristol.

England got off to a sluggish start, managing only 35 runs in the powerplay before losing momentum againstN Shree Charani’s industrious left-arm spin. The innings gained momentum only in the final stages with Kemp’s unbeaten 39 off 13 balls at a strike rate of 300, propelling England to a competitive 168 for 5.

Kemp’s impact extended beyond the bat. Returning from a back injury, she bowled two overs for 15 runs, dismissing key batswomen Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues. Charlie Dean’s meticulous bowling figures of 2 for 20 from four overs, including 12 dot balls, complemented Lauren Bell’s 2 wickets to restrict India to 142 for 9.

India’s chase suffered setbacks early with openers falling cheaply. Despite some resistance from Yastika Bhatia (33) and crucial runs in the middle, inconsistent batting and Clausee’s tight bowling ensured India couldn’t chase down the target. The series-deciding third match is scheduled for Taunton on Tuesday.

Kemp gave England a strong finish with 39 off 13•ECB via Getty Images

Kemp’s explosive unbeaten 39 came when England needed acceleration at the business end. The left-hander dispatched Arundhati Reddy for six over long-on with the first ball of the penultimate over, followed by consecutive fours and another six over long-on, anchoring the final push to the target.

Shree Charani’s career-best figures kept England’s innings in check for majority of the match. Sophia Dunkley survived an early chance before departing to a catch behind, while Amy Jones’ tenure was short-lived following a spectacular catch by Harmanpreet Kaur. The partnership between Dani Wyatt-Hodge and Heather Knight offered brief resistance before Knight’s continued struggles persisted with a tidy run-out.

Knight, England’s most-capped woman cricketer with 311 appearances, has managed only 18, 21, 18, 25 and 19 in the five T20Is this season. Her dismissal via a straightforward return catch to her own bowling highlights recurring issues that England will need to address ahead of the World Cup.

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