The NCCA Women’s XI made an impressive winning debut with an emphatic ten wicket victory over Austria in their opening match of the inaugural European T10 Championship at the Cartama Oval near Malaga.
The NCCA side, playing as England XI in the tournament, bowled and fielded superbly to restrict Austria to 43 for eight then openers Meg Austin (Staffordshire and Central Sparks) and Bethan Ellis (Warwickshire and Central Sparks) knocked off the runs inside the three powerplay overs.
Although Sussex and Trent Rockets seamer Cassidy McCarthy’s historic first ball for the side was thumped for six by Priya Sabu that was one of just three boundaries Austria managed.
Ria Fackrell (Warwickshire and Central Sparks) claimed the first wicket when she bowled Busra Uca with her first ball and Austria captain Jo Antoinette Stiglitz, with ten from seven balls, was the only batter to reach double figures.
Slow left-armer Millie Taylor (Southern Vipers Academy) was the pick of the bowlers with two for eight in her two overs with three of the other wickets falling to run outs.
Austin and Ellis began the chase quietly, with eight coming off the opening over, but they then cut loose with 16 coming off the second and 20 from the third with Ellis lifting Sabu for six to clinch victory.
England XI continue their European Championship campaign with two matches on Monday December 18 starting with Italy at 8.45am, then Netherlands at 2.45pm.
European Women’s T10 Championship – Day One
Cartama Oval, Malaga: Austria 43-8, England XI 44-0. England XI won by ten wickets.