England vs India: Freya Kemp breathes life into World Cup build-up to win in Bristol

Freya Kemp has breathed life into England’s preparations for the T20 World Cup as they leveled the series against India with a 26-run win in Bristol.

After England’s elimination in the first T20 on Thursday, Kemp made 24 from the last over, 39 not out from 13 balls.

That lifted England to 168-5, a total that looked good before two overs, although India were still in ninth place as they chased 70-1.

But Kemp, who returned to bowling after more than a year of back injury bans, came to the fore again by trapping the classy Smriti Mandhana for 32 at deep square leg.

Her wicket sparked an impressive fightback from the England bowlers as she first halted India’s scoring through Charlie Deane and Sophie Ecclestone.

After India retired Yasthika Bhatia from 36 balls for 33 – in the first tactic between women’s T20 full member nations – Kemp was caught by her replacement, Jemima Rodrigues, with a slow ball.

Needing 39 from the last two overs, India crumble to 142-9.

Although the batting ranks remain a concern and England have lost two matches, the win is a huge boost as England wrap up their opening match at Edgbaston on June 12.

Instead of facing the dead rubber following another disappointing defeat, they can now clinch the series in a decider in Taunton on Tuesday.