ENG-W vs IN-W: Freya Kemp becomes the youngest England Women Player to score a T20I fifty
Freya Kemp (PC: Twitter)
The talented bowling all-rounder Freya Kemp has etched her name into history books by becoming the youngest player (17 y and 145 days) to hit a T20I fifty for the England Women's team.
This record was earlier held by Alice Capsey, who reached this mark against South Africa in August this year.
Kemp conquered this momentous feat in the ongoing T20I series against India at Derby, albeit coming in a losing cause.
England's decision to bat first backfired, when they lost their key batters, Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley and Capsey for single-digit scores in the powerplay. Soon, they were reeling at 54/5, when Kemp arrived at the crease.
The 17-year-old resurrected the team's innings by adding 65 runs for the sixth wicket with Maia Bouchier (34). After the dismissal of Bouchier, Kemp provided a late flourish, while displaying ball-striking abilities to score 51* off 37 with three sixes and as many fours.
As a result, England finished on a total of 142.
In response to the chase, proficient opening pair of India, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma guided the team well in the powerplay overs. The two quick wickets invited captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the crease, who continued the well-built momentum.
Mandhana (79*) and Kaur (29*) sealed the chase for the team under 17 overs and India produced a terrific fightback to level the series 1-1.
It will be an interesting encounter between both teams, when they will meet on Thursday in the final T20I of the series.
 "Tejas Rathi")
