England’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end after a lacklustre performance against West Indies in Dubai, leading to their elimination at the group stage.
Despite posting 141-7 in their 20 overs, England’s fielding was riddled with errors as they dropped five crucial catches, all off West Indies opener Qiana Joseph. West Indies capitalised on these mistakes, chasing down the target with ease to win by six wickets and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Joseph, who was dropped multiple times—on 6, 31, and 35—played a key role with a vital 52 from 38 balls. Her opening partnership with captain Hayley Matthews, who also scored 50 off 38 balls, laid the foundation for a successful chase. The pair raced to 67-0 in the powerplay, leaving England struggling under pressure, much like their semi-final exit against South Africa in the 2023 tournament.
Missed opportunities haunted England throughout. Sophia Dunkley was the first to miss a chance, followed by Alice Capsey’s fumbled attempt, and Maia Bouchier, who dropped three straightforward catches. Although both Joseph and Matthews eventually fell within two overs, Deandra Dottin’s quickfire 27 from 19 balls swung the game back in West Indies’ favour.
England’s innings was anchored by Nat Sciver-Brunt, who remained unbeaten on 57 from 50 balls, but they were dealt a blow when captain Heather Knight retired hurt on 21 with a calf injury. Her absence was keenly felt in the field as England failed to contain West Indies’ aggressive batting.
This victory marked West Indies' first T20 win over England since 2018, and it was the first time England had failed to progress past the group stage of the tournament since 2010.
As the tournament moves forward, South Africa will face defending champions Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday, while West Indies will take on New Zealand on Friday.
England entered the match brimming with confidence after convincing victories over Bangladesh, South Africa, and Scotland. A win of any margin would have secured their progression. However, the unforgiving nature of the tournament's format meant one poor performance was enough to end their campaign.
Their struggles were evident early on, as they stumbled to 34-2 in the powerplay, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Alice Capsey falling cheaply. Capsey’s run out, caused by a misjudged call from Bouchier, set the tone for a disjointed batting display. Bouchier herself was dismissed immediately after the powerplay by spinner Afy Fletcher.
Knight and Sciver-Brunt tried to rebuild England’s innings, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike well. But just as their partnership reached 46 from six overs, Knight pulled up injured while attempting a single, leaving the field and derailing England’s momentum.
From there, the middle order collapsed, with only Sciver-Brunt standing firm. Amy Jones chipped an easy catch to point for seven, Charlie Dean was dropped first ball and managed just five, while Danielle Gibson and Sophie Ecclestone both fell for seven.
Sciver-Brunt showcased her usual composure and impressive fitness, continually taking charge and keeping England’s innings afloat. But in the field, where she also had to take over captaincy duties, England’s woes continued as West Indies confidently chased down the target.