When International T20 cricket first came to Canterbury
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
12 years ago, International T20 cricket made its debut at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence. Now, in 2024, it will return to CT1 with England Women taking on New Zealand in a floodlit contest during their IT20 Series on 11 July.
Back in 2012, on 26 June to be precise, the country was preparing for the London Olympics, England’s Men’s football team had just exited UEFA Euro 2012 on penalties, and England Women faced India at The Spitfire Ground; East Kent’s first ever international Twenty20 match.
“We pride ourselves on our fielding; Lydia Greenway was brilliant taking three catches which were all superb”, said England ‘keeper-batter Sarah Taylor following England’s 33-run victory.
View full scorecard [via ESPNCricinfo]
Greenway, a Kent & England legend, had dazzled the crowd with her acrobatics to dismiss opener Punam Raut, ‘keeper Sulakshana Naik & all-rounder Mona Meshram.
Taylor modestly reflected on a “brilliant team performance” after playing a starring role for England. She cracked 69 from 49 deliveries and shared 104 with Laura Marsh as the hosts posted 137 for five en-route to a comfortable victory that put them 1-0 ahead in the two-match IT20 series. “We wanted to put a marker down first game and we did that.”
Marsh, who would spend ten seasons at Kent and had joined the county one year prior from Sussex, opened the batting for England alongside her now Kent-teammate & legend of the game, Charlotte Edwards.
“It was brilliant to bat with Laura and I think the whole team did brilliantly today so it’s a nice start to the series.”
England captain Edwards, who saw her own innings cut short when she was somewhat harshly adjudged lbw for one, hailed Taylor’s display.
“She’s exceptional. I love watching her bat and that’s why I believe she’s the best batter in the world,” said the skipper.
“With an innings like that today she can take the game away from the opposition.
“We didn’t get off to the best of starts but it was fantastic how we accelerated at the right time. I thought Laura batted well with Sarah. Our running was also exceptional. We’re a fit bunch and I think that showed.”
Over 2,000 tickets have already been sold for England Women vs. New Zealand on 11 July 2024!
An unmissable evening of cricket is coming to Canterbury this Summer, and tickets are now on sale to see England’s heroes take on the White Ferns of New Zealand in Canterbury, just an hour’s journey from the capital.
It is only the second time that Canterbury has hosted a Women’s International T20 match in its long history, and will be another boost for the continued growth of women’s cricket in Kent.
Tickets for this match are now on sale – don’t miss out on saving money & being there to witness England in T20 action:
Buy tickets now
This match is not included in 2024 Memberships or Six Pack ticket bundles. Members, Six Pack & Six Pack Plus holders should purchase tickets from the Club website.