England secured a commanding victory over the West Indies by 143 runs in the second one-day international at Leicester, sealing the series with an emphatic performance. The match was marked by outstanding opening partnerships between Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, who made history by becoming the first players in ODI cricket to share consecutive partnerships of over 200 runs.
Amy Jones, who had waited 12 years to score her maiden international hundred, smashed a superb 129 runs off 76 balls, showcasing both power and finesse before getting out in the 31st over. Tammy Beaumont supported Jones brilliantly, following up her previous hundred with another century despite battling what she humorously described as “man flu.” Their reunion at the top of the order after five years apart, masterminded by head coach Charlotte Edwards, proved to be a strategic masterstroke.
The two openers complemented each other perfectly, combining their different strengths and styles to set a solid foundation for the innings. Beaumont praised Jones’s leadership and skill, noting how Jones took responsibility and managed the innings while also looking after her teammate during her illness. Their partnership laid the groundwork for England’s imposing total of 366 for 6, just 12 runs short of England’s record ODI team score.
The West Indies were without key players Hayley Matthews, sidelined with a shoulder injury, and their powerful opener Qiana Joseph, who was out with the flu. Matthews was seen walking the boundary in a sling and is expected to be assessed ahead of the final ODI. Despite the absence of these crucial players, the West Indies showed some fighting spirit, particularly from debutant Realeanna Grimmond. The 20-year-old impressed by scoring a composed half-century off 64 balls, even after being hit by a fast delivery from England’s Lauren Filer, who returned to international cricket with pace bowling up to 75 mph.
Grimmond’s innings included some powerful hitting, notably two sixes off Lauren Bell, but ultimately the West Indies batting lineup struggled to keep up with England’s demanding target. Their run chase was hindered by slow scoring, missed opportunities in the field, and strong English bowling pressure. Kate Cross achieved a personal milestone, becoming only the eighth English woman to take 100 ODI wickets. Cross, who had missed the previous Ashes series due to injury, was vindicated by this achievement after a tough period of rehab and doubt about her career.
West Indies fought back in patches with aggressive hitting from Jannillea Glasgow, who scored 44 runs off 24 balls, and a resilient lower-order partnership that added 69 runs between the fall of the seventh and tenth wickets. However, England’s fielding and bowling held firm to restrict the visitors’ chances of mounting a serious challenge. Alice Capsey took the final wicket in the 46th over, catching Cherry-Ann Fraser at point and sparking celebrations as England wrapped up a comprehensive series win.
England’s middle order also contributed well to the total. Emma Lamb played a polished innings of 55 from 45 balls, holding the innings steady while others accelerated around her. Late cameos from Sophia Dunkley and Capsey helped England increase the scoring rate towards the end, ensuring the total was competitive and challenging for the West Indies.
This victory highlighted England’s depth and balance, as well as the impact of Jones and Beaumont’s opening partnership, which dominated the match and set new standards in women’s ODI cricket. With the series won and momentum firmly with them, England look well poised going into the final ODI at Taunton, while the West Indies will be hoping to have Matthews fit to strengthen their side for the last match.
