l ARUNDEL

Deandra Dottin smashed a match-winning half century as West Indies Women defeated England Women by three wickets in the final Twenty20 International of their five-match series, at Arundel Castle Cricket Club Ground, in England, yesterday.

Dottin top-scored with a brutal innings of 62 from 34 balls to rescue West Indies and avoid a whitewash, after England were a class above the visitors in winning the first four matches.

Dottin came to the wicket with West Indies tottering on 47 for 4, chasing England's 139 for 7.

The consolation win for the Caribbean side, preparing for the ICC Twenty/20 tournament later this month, also ends England's 21-match Twenty20 unbeaten run.

Dottin hit three fours and five sixes and led a middle-order fight back that put her side on course for victory before she was bowled with 17 still required from 20 balls.

Tense moments ensued with West Indies needing 11 from 12 balls and then six from the final delivery.

However, Juliana Nero who scored 27 not out, was a model of composure as she guided her side to victory.

Earlier, Sarah Taylor again led the England innings with 34 from 30 balls, while Katherine Brunt top-scored with 35.

The main wickets-takers for West Indies were Anisa Mohammed, Tremayne Smartt  and Shemaine Campbelle, who each claimed two scalps.

After yesterday's match, West Indies women's coach Sherwin Campbell described Dottin as explosive and unstoppable.

"Deandra is very explosive at this level, and once she can get a start and get going, there are very few teams that can stop her," said Campbell.

"She turned up in this game and she played a very good innings, as we know she can. Once she can become consistent and play an innings like this every game or every other game, we will win more games on a consistent basis".

In 2010, hard-hitting Dottin had the distinction of scoring the first century in a women's Twenty20 International.

"She has been hitting the ball very well in the nets, but she just could not put a meaningful innings together until now. On her day, I back her to hit the ball all around the park" said Campbell, a former West Indies opener.

"At the end of the day, it comes down to the self belief of the individual, and once she continues to show that self belief, she will continue to score many runs."

West Indies travel over the next few days to the Sri Lanka capital of Colombo for the World Twenty20 tournament. They open their campaign against New Zealand on September 27.

—CMC