England made it two wins from two to start the Women’s T20 World Cup but their four-wicket win over Ireland was overshadowed by an injury scare to Nat Sciver-Bunt, who retired herself out on 48 as she continues to manage a calf issue.
Chasing 119, England stumbled to 35-3 in the sixth over of their reply, before Sciver-Brunt’s assured 48 from 37 balls had the hosts cruising to victory – until she retired two short of a half-century and nine away from their target.
The England captain, speaking after the match, said the move was “just precautionary”, adding: “I felt a bit of tightness in my calf so I thought I better not push it.”
Sciver-Brunt only returned to the team last week after missing more than a month with a torn left calf. An ECB statement said “she is currently being assessed by England medics”.
Vice-captain Charlie Dean said of Sciver-Brunt: “I think she just had a bit of tightness. It’s a credit to Nat, and who she is, that as a precaution she took herself off to not do any further damage.
England lost a sixth wicket four balls after Sciver-Brunt’s retirement, with Freya Kemp (2) run out, before they finally squeaked home with 14 balls to spare following a somewhat curious batting display, edging closer to a semi-final spot in the process.
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