Rainford-Brent helps England level series

England Women 232 for 5 (Rainford-Brent 72, Gunn 57, Taylor 3-29) beat West Indies Women 219 (Lavine 57) by 13 runs
Scorecard

Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent posted her first ODI half-century to help England set up a series-levelling 13-run victory over West Indies. Rainford-Brent made 72 opening the batting and had solid support from Jenny Gunn, who was promoted to No. 3 and scored 57, as England reached 232 for 5 having chosen to bat first.

The 100-run stand between Rainford-Brent and Gunn set the platform for a late boost from Caroline Atkins, who finished unbeaten on 44 from 43 balls. Stafanie Taylor proved a handful with the ball, collecting 3 for 29 from her ten overs, but she was unable to carry that momentum into the West Indies innings when she was the first out for 2.

Pamela Lavine, who starred in West Indies' opening victory, was again in form for the hosts and compiled 57. The captain Merissa Aguilleira kept the chase going with 44 before she was one of three consecutive run-outs that derailed the West Indies effort. The England victory means the winner of Sunday's third ODI will take the series.

England captain Charlotte Edwards was pleased with the way her team bounced back from defeat in the first match. "We showed plenty of character and determination today in what was a must-win match for us," she said. "There was a huge improvement in our game but we still know that there are areas that we can work on before Saturday. The West Indies pushed us hard but in the end I think our experience in tight situations helped us win."

Mark Lane, the England coach, was happy with the win, particularly because a couple of youngsters made their mark. "It was a satisfying debut for Dani Hazell who picked up first wicket and it was good to see Tamsin Beaumont get her first victim in only her second game. "