Dunkley creates England selection headache with standout performance

ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Sophia Dunkley creates England selection headache with standout performance against Scotland Sophia Dunkley smashed a superb 57 off 37 balls for England in their victory against Scotland at Headingley after coming in for injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt; watch the ICC Women's T20 World Cup exclusively live on Sky Sports Saturday 20 June 2026 23:28, UK Sophia Dunkley has given England a selection headache after her fine performance in England's 38-run win against Scotland in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Dunkley, England's long-time opener, was dropped for the first two matches of the tournament after a disappointing run of form saw her average 16.33 and post a highest score of just 26 over six warm-up matches, but she returned to the side at No 3 in place of injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. To say she took her chance would be an understatement. After a shock first-ball wicket left England 0-1, the Surrey batter posted a game-high 57 off 37 balls as she propelled her side to an insurmountable total of 200 and an eventual victory. With Sciver-Brunt set to return for England's last group game against New Zealand - and Amy Jones, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and in-form Alice Capsey rounding out an accomplished top order - Dunkley has left head coach Charlotte Edwards with decisions to make as a crucial period of the competition approaches. - Scorecard: England vs Scotland, Women's T20 World Cup England vs Scotland, Headingley - as it happened - Stream T20 World Cup matches FREE in Sky Sports App - Watch the Women's T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports and NOW "It was great to get out there," Dunkley said. "I found it quite tricky up front, and I thought they bowled pretty well, but it was great to get out there and get the win for England. "It's tournament cricket. I think all 15 are so important in a World Cup - you just try and stay as ready as you can on the sidelines and that's what I tried to do. "Nice to fit in and contribute, but I think the most important thing is that we got the two points and keep the momentum going into the next game." Farrant: Dunkley turned up when she was needed Former England seamer Tash Farrant on Sky Sports: "Being dropped just before a home T20 World Cup - that would be such a tough pill to swallow. So fair play to Sophia Dunkley for the way she responded. I've seen her over the past couple of days - she was trying to stay as positive as she possibly could, and she's always trying to be a positive presence in the group and a good team member. "She always goes hard in the powerplay. She always causes a bit of chaos, but it was very effective. She finds the boundary with ease. "When her half-century was brought up [after the game], you could see the emotion - it's been a tough couple of weeks for her, but she's kept herself in a good mindset, so that if she was needed, she could turn up like she did." Gibson: We're all so happy for Dunkley England all-rounder Dani Gibson, speaking to Sky Sports: "She'll be disappointed that she's not been playing but to step up the way she did just shows her character. "We're just all so happy for her. "She took her opportunity and showed just what she's capable of. It was just great to watch from the sidelines." England's Women's T20 World Cup fixtures/results All games live on Sky Sports, all times UK and Ireland - Friday June 12 (Edgbaston): England beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs - Tuesday June 16 (Hampshire Bowl): England beat Ireland by four wickets - Saturday June 20 (Headlingley) England beat Scotland by 38 runs - Wednesday June 24: England vs West Indies, Lord's 6.30pm - Saturday June 27: England vs New Zealand, The Oval 6.30pm Stream T20 World Cup matches FREE Everyone can stream all group matches involving England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as the semi-finals and final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup live for FREE on the Sky Sports App. All you have to do is download the latest version of the Sky Sports App onto your phone or tablet and log in. Download the Sky Sports App on: Watch every ball of the Women's T20 World Cup exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW through to the final at Lord's on July 5. [Image text:] CEM Vitalihy