England Women vs West Indies Women – 3rd T20I Preview (26 May 2025)

Date: 26 May 2025
Time: 14:30 GMT / 2:30 PM Local (Chelmsford)
Venue: County Ground, Chelmsford
Series: West Indies Women’s Tour of England – T20I Series
Format: T20 International

Series Context

The 3rd T20I between England Women and West Indies Women promises to be a crucial encounter in a tightly contested series so far. England, under the new captaincy of Nat Sciver-Brunt, have made a strong start, winning both the 1st and 2nd T20Is with clinical efficiency and aggressive batting. The West Indies, despite their recent struggles, remain a resilient side, especially with the leadership of Hayley Matthews and the return of key talents like Stafanie Taylor.

This T20I will be the final match of the T20I series before the teams move on to the ODI leg of the tour, making it a pivotal opportunity for both teams to secure the series.

Team News & Key Players

England Women

• Captain: Nat Sciver-Brunt
• Key Players:
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt – The new captain is an all-rounder in the prime of her career, capable of anchoring the innings and delivering crucial wickets.
  • Lauren Bell – The young seamer has been impressive in the first two games, showing her ability to bowl tight lines and take wickets.
  • Sophia Dunkley – Provides balance with the bat and ball, and has been a reliable middle-order performer.
  • Danni Wyatt – A consistent run-scorer, she can accelerate the scoring rate if needed.

West Indies Women

• Captain: Hayley Matthews
• Key Players:
  • Hayley Matthews – A composed captain with a good eye for stroke-play and a useful off-spin option.
  • Stafanie Taylor – The experienced all-rounder is a match-winner with both bat and ball.
  • Jahzara Claxton – A rising star with a fearless approach in the middle overs.
  • Realeanna Grimmond – Provides pace and aggression at the death, making her a potent final-over bowler.

Series So Far

• 1st T20I (21 May): England won by 8 wickets
• 2nd T20I (23 May): England won by 9 wickets

England has been dominant in the series, with Amy Jones and Sciver-Brunt leading the batting charge. The West Indies have struggled to contain England's aggressive openers and have found it difficult to post competitive totals.

Venue Insights – Chelmsford

The County Ground, Chelmsford is a well-balanced venue, with the pitch generally favoring the side batting second in T20s. With May weather in England usually being overcast and conducive to spin, expect the middle overs to play a key role. The toss could be crucial, with the captain winning the toss likely choosing to bowl first.

Head-to-Head Record

In the recent T20I encounters, England has maintained a strong record, winning the last two matches in the ongoing series. Historically, the head-to-head has been a bit more balanced, with the West Indies having won a few tight matches in the past. However, England's depth in all-round talent has given them a slight edge in the last 12 months.

Prediction

England Women are in the form of their life, with a new captain and a settled side. Nat Sciver-Brunt has brought in a clear structure and aggression, while the West Indies are still in a rebuilding phase after missing out on the 2025 ODI World Cup.

However, the West Indies have the talent to push for a win, especially with the likes of Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton capable of turning the game in the final overs.

Match Prediction: England Women to win by 5-6 wickets
Score Prediction: England 172/6, West Indies 160/9

Broadcast & Live Streaming Details

• UK: Sky Sports Cricket
• India: Fancode, Sony Sports Network
• Global: ESPNcricinfo Live Streaming

Conclusion

The 3rd T20I at Chelmsford is expected to be a high-scoring, nail-biting contest between two evenly matched sides. England will look to wrap up the series with a convincing win, while the West Indies will be aiming to make a statement and take momentum into the ODI series.

Whether it's Sciver-Brunt or Taylor who steals the limelight, this match promises to be an exciting end to the T20I series.
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