England Women achieve a remarkable ODI clean sweep over West Indies, with standout performances from Sciver-Brunt. Discover the match highlights and stats.
A Clinical Performance Caps Dominant Series
England Women showcased their depth and adaptability to seal a 3-0 ODI series sweep over West Indies Women, winning the rain-affected third and final match at Taunton by nine wickets via the DLS method. Nat Sciver-Brunt, standing in as opener and captain, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 57, as England continued their flawless summer, having also swept the preceding T20I series.
Team Changes and Toss: England Shuffle, West Indies Without Matthews
With the series already secured, England made three changes to their playing XI, resting key players and experimenting with their batting order. Notably, Nat Sciver-Brunt opened alongside Sophia Dunkley, while regular opener Tammy Beaumont was rested. Alice Capsey slotted in at No. 3, followed by Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb, with Amy Jones dropping down to No. 6. See also: Heinrich Klaasen Calls Time on International Career
On the bowling front, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn returned, the latter making her first appearance of the series. Seam bowler Em Arlott was also included, with Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith sitting out.
West Indies, meanwhile, were dealt a major blow with captain Hayley Matthews ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the series. Qiana Joseph returned from illness to open the batting with Realeanna Grimmond, while Zaida James moved back to her usual No. 3 spot. Off-spinner Ashmini Munisar was also drafted in.
After winning the toss under gloomy skies, England elected to bowl first, anticipating rain interruptions.
West Indies Innings: Early Collapse and Joseph’s Lone Resistance
The West Indies innings was marred by early wickets and disciplined English bowling. Kate Cross struck in the very first over, removing Grimmond for a duck. Emily Arlott then trapped Zaida James and Stafanie Taylor in quick succession, leaving the visitors reeling at 4 for 3 inside four overs.
Qiana Joseph, returning to the side, provided some resistance with a composed 34 from 44 balls, holding the innings together even as wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Shemaine Campbelle (18 off 34) offered brief support, but Sarah Glenn’s leg-spin proved too much for the middle order. Glenn finished with impressive figures of 3 for 21, including the wickets of Joseph, Shabika Gajnabi, and Aaliyah Alleyne.
The West Indies limped to 106 for 8 in their 21 overs, with late cameos from Alleyne (27 off 18) and Claxton (11 off 4) helping them reach three figures. England’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Arlott taking 2 for 15 and Cross, Dean, and Filer each chipping in.
England’s Chase: Sciver-Brunt Leads the Way
Set a revised DLS target of 106 in 21 overs after rain reduced the match, England’s chase was never in doubt. Sophia Dunkley fell early for 18, but Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey (32* off 27) made light work of the modest target.
Sciver-Brunt, relishing her promotion to opener, played with characteristic calm and authority. She struck eight boundaries in her unbeaten 57 off 41 balls, guiding England to 109 for 1 in just 10.5 overs and sealing the nine-wicket win.
Capsey provided the perfect foil, rotating the strike and dispatching loose deliveries, as the pair put on an unbroken 91-run stand to close out the match in style.
Bowling Brilliance and Tactical Flexibility
England’s bowling attack, led by the returning Sarah Glenn, was relentless. Glenn’s three wickets in her first match of the series underscored her value as a strike bowler in the middle overs. Arlott’s new-ball spell set the tone, while Charlie Dean and Kate Cross maintained pressure with tight lines and clever variations.
The decision to reshuffle the batting order and rest senior players like Beaumont and Bell highlighted England’s squad depth and willingness to experiment ahead of a busy international calendar.
West Indies’ Struggles Continue
For West Indies, the absence of Hayley Matthews was keenly felt. Their top order crumbled under the new ball, and only Joseph and Alleyne showed the application required to challenge England’s attack. The tourists have now completed the tour without a single win, having lost all three T20Is and all three ODIs.
Despite flashes of promise from young players like Joseph, the lack of experience and consistency in the batting lineup remains a concern as they look ahead to future assignments.
Player of the Match and Series Standouts
Nat Sciver-Brunt was the undisputed star of the day, her unbeaten half-century capping a series where she led from the front with both bat and ball. Sarah Glenn’s return was another major positive for England, while Alice Capsey’s continued development as a middle-order batter bodes well for the team’s future.
For West Indies, Qiana Joseph’s 34 was a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing tour.
What’s Next?
England’s clean sweep in both the T20I and ODI series cements their status as one of the world’s premier women’s teams. With squad rotation and experimentation yielding positive results, they look well-prepared for upcoming challenges, including the Women’s Ashes and the next ICC global tournaments.
West Indies, meanwhile, face a period of reflection and rebuilding. The return of Hayley Matthews will be crucial, but the team will need greater contributions from their top order and more consistency with the ball to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion: England’s Summer of Perfection Rolls On
The third ODI at Taunton was a microcosm of England’s dominance throughout the series: clinical bowling, flexible tactics, and a top-order anchored by world-class talent. As the rain clouds parted and England’s players celebrated another win, the message was clear—this is a team in total control of its destiny, with depth, experience, and ambition to spare.
For the West Indies, the tour ends in disappointment, but with lessons learned and opportunities for young players to grow. As both teams look ahead, England’s clean sweep will serve as a benchmark for excellence in the women’s game.