Top-order batter Alice Capsey smashed a surprising 22-ball 51 to steer England to a four-wicket win over neighbours Ireland of their Women’s T20 World Cup group match on Monday.

Capsey, who was purchased by Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh through the Women’s Premier League auctions on Monday, struck as many as 10 fours throughout her whirlwind knock that blew Ireland away and helped England notch up the win — their second consecutive one — with 34 balls to spare.

Chasing a paltry 106 for a win, England had been 69 for 1 on the finish of powerplay overs with Capsey going sturdy with a flurry of boundaries after opener Sophia Dunkley (4) was out cheaply within the first over.

England huffed and puffed in direction of the goal after Capsey’s dismissal within the second ball of the seventh over. Nat Sciver-Brunt (5), who was purchased for a whopping Rs 3.2 crore by Mumbai Indians within the WPL auctions, received out cheaply, so additionally captain Heather Knight (14) and wicketkeeper Amy Jones (12).

But Capsey’s pyrotechnics — strike price of 231.8 — and the meagre goal meant that England simply crossed the road, reaching 107 for six in 14.2 overs with Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone remaining not out on 5 and 0 respectively.

For Ireland, Cara Murray took three wickets for 15 runs whereas Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly received one every.

Earlier, the England spin trio of Ecclestone (3/13), Sarah Glenn (3/19) and Charlie Dean (2/26) wrecked havoc on the Ireland batters to skittle them out for 105 in 18.2 overs.

Opting to bat, Ireland suffered a batting collapse as they had been stifled by the England spin trio. Only the highest 4 Ireland batters may attain double-digit figures.

Ireland started on an honest notice with Gaby Lewis (36) and Amy Hunter (15) stitching 35 runs from 5.1 overs earlier than the latter received dismissed. They had been nonetheless in an honest state of affairs when Lewis was out within the third ball of the thirteenth to be 80 for 3.

But quickly, Ireland fizzled out as they misplaced seven wickets for simply 25 runs in 5.5 overs (35 balls).

Lewis was the top-scorer for Ireland and her 37-ball 36 had 5 fours. The opening stand involving Lewis and Hunter was the best for Ireland.

Ecclestone, who was purchased by UP Warriorz within the WPL auctions, received two wickets in two balls within the thirteenth over — that of Lewis and Eimear Richardson (0) — however couldn’t full her hat-trick. She additionally had the essential wicket of Ireland captain Laura Delany (12).

Pacers Lauren Bell and Katherine Sciver-Brunt took a wicket every.

Brief Scores: Ireland Women: 105 in 18.2 overs (Gaby Lewis 36; Sophie Ecclestone 3/13, Sarah Glenn 3/19).

England Women: 107 for six in 14.2 overs (Alice Capsey 51; Cara Murray 3/15).