The West Indies tour of England has already ignited the summer with a commanding statement from the hosts. England’s clinical 8-wicket win in the opening T20I has set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested white-ball series. As the teams’ head to the picturesque County Ground in Hove for the second T20I, fantasy cricket enthusiasts have a golden opportunity to craft a winning XI that balances form, flair, and tactical nous.
The stakes are high: England are brimming with confidence, while West Indies, led by the dynamic Hayley Matthews, are desperate to bounce back. Here’s a breakdown of the Fantasy 11 for this high-voltage encounter, designed to maximise your points and cricketing joy.
Fantasy 11 for England Women vs West Indies Women 2nd T20I:
Wicketkeeper:
Amy Jones (England)
A mainstay behind the stumps, Amy Jones brings composure and aggression in equal measure. Her ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs, coupled with sharp glovework, makes her an invaluable Fantasy asset. At Hove, where quick singles and boundary opportunities abound, Jones’s presence ensures both batting and wicket keeping points. In 95 T20I outings so far, she has accumulated 1592 runs, at a strike rate of 122.36, and registered the highest score of 89.
Batter:
Sophia Dunkley (England)
Dunkley’s fearless approach at the top of the order is tailor-made for T20 cricket. She has a knack for taking on the new ball and can shift gears seamlessly. Her occasional leg-spin adds a subtle Fantasy bonus, but it’s her potential to anchor or explode that secures her spot. She has posted 1067 runs, at an average of 24.81 and a strike rate of 122.08, from 53 innings. She played a match-defining innings of 81* (56 balls), anchoring the run-chase to guide the home side over the line in the 1st T20I.
All-rounders:
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
Matthews is the West Indies’ heartbeat, explosive with the bat, crafty with her off-spin and a livewire in the field. Her ability to influence the game in all three departments makes her a must-have and an obvious choice for vice-captain. In T20Is, she has amassed 2751 runs, at a strike rate of 115.05, from 107 outings, and scalped 108 wickets from 100 innings. Expect her to lead from the front, especially with her team needing a turnaround. She scored her 3rd T20I century (100* off 67 balls) in the series opener; however, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for her side to register a win.
Zaida James (West Indies)
James brings left-handed elegance and guile to the West Indies middle order. Her left-arm orthodox spin is a genuine wicket-taking threat, particularly on English surfaces that reward flight and accuracy. She’s a young player with the temperament to shine under pressure. Zaida James got dismissed for a two-ball duck in the previous game and would be keen to make a strong impression in the upcoming fixture, especially with the bat for her side. She was impressive with the ball (4-0-32-1) in her spell with the ball in the previous encounter.
Jannillea Glasgow (West Indies)
Glasgow’s all-round credentials are hard to overlook. A handy left-handed batter and a reliable medium pacer, she provides crucial balance. Her ability to break partnerships and contribute vital lower order runs makes her a shrewd Fantasy pick.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
England’s inspirational leader, Sciver-Brunt, is the epitome of an all-rounder. She can rescue an innings, finish with a flourish, and swing the ball with discipline. Her tactical acumen and knack for delivering in crunch moments make her the standout captaincy option; expect her to be at the heart of England’s charge at Hove. She was dismissed for a two-ball duck on her full-time T20I captaincy debut for England. In T20I cricket, she has racked up 2789 runs, at an average of 28.17 and a strike rate of 118.02, from 127 outings, and also has struck 90 wickets from 117 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 6.61.
Alice Capsey (England)
Capsey’s youthful exuberance and fearless strokeplay have already made her a fan favourite. She’s equally adept at breaking partnerships with her off-spin. Her dual-threat status and ability to seize the big moment make her a Fantasy goldmine. The all-rounder has added 707 runs to the tally from 36 T20I outings, striking at 119.42. She has also been handy with the ball, taking 6 wickets.
Emily Arlott (England)
A seasoned star in domestic ranks, Arlott’s right-arm medium pace is well-suited to English conditions. She’s also a handy bat down the order, capable of late-order fireworks. Her versatility and recent form warrant inclusion. She recently made her T20I debut for England in the previous game and was impressive with the ball (4-0-28-1) in her spell.
Bowlers:
Lauren Bell (England)
Bell’s ability to swing the new ball and strike early is a major asset. Her disciplined lines and knack for unsettling top-order batters make her a threat at Hove, where conditions often favour seamers. She was one of the stand-out performers with the ball (4-1-29-2) for England in the first T20I, playing a crucial role in setting up a dominating performance for the home side. Her T20I numbers read 39 wickets from 30 outings, at an economy rate of 7.26, with the best of 4/12.
Afy Fletcher (West Indies)
Fletcher’s leg-spin is a proven weapon in T20 cricket. She’s known for her control and ability to outfox set batters. On a surface that could offer some turn, Fletcher’s variations and experience make her a key Fantasy pick. Her T20I numbers speak volumes of her reliability, with 91 wickets from as many outings, at an economy rate of 6.14. She was amongst the wickets (3-0-27-1) in her spell in the previous game of the series and could again play a crucial role with the ball for her side in a crucial do-or-die contest.
Linsey Smith (England)
Smith’s left-arm orthodox spin is tailor-made for English pitches, especially for her consistency. She brings control in the middle overs and is adept at stifling the run rate while picking up crucial wickets. Her lower-order batting is a bonus. She was exceptional with the ball (4-1-18-1) in her spell in the 1st T20I.
This Fantasy XI strikes a fine balance between proven performers and emerging talents from both sides. England’s momentum and home advantage are reflected in the core of the team, while West Indies’ match-winners ensure there’s room for a Caribbean comeback. The mix of seamers and spinners is tailored for Hove’s conditions, and the all-rounders provide multiple point-scoring opportunities in every phase of the game.
With the series heating up and both teams eager to make a statement, the 2nd T20I at Hove promises high-octane action. This Fantasy XI is crafted to give you the edge but remember to keep an eye on the toss and final team news before locking in your picks.
