James dominates as Portugal restricts Czechia
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Portugal immediately put the pressure on the hosts. James proved to be the standout performer, delivering a disciplined four-over spell that returned figures of 4/14. Her ability to consistently find the right areas left the Czechia batters struggling to build momentum. Josephine Souckova provided the only real resistance, top-scoring with 29 off 28 balls, while Jana Kominkova added 11 off 16. However, with wickets falling at regular intervals, Czechia was eventually bundled out for 70 in just 15 overs.
Portugal survives early scare to clinch title
Chasing 71 for the trophy, Portugal’s pursuit was far from straightforward. The innings got off to a shaky start as the side lost three early wickets, leaving the middle order with a significant recovery job to do. The pressure intensified when Sanne Gerarda Luijke fell with the score at 25 in 3.2 overs, threatening to derail the chase entirely.
Isabel Walker stepped up under the mounting pressure, anchoring the innings with a composed 15 off 26 balls. Supported by Nayantara Raghunandan, Walker helped steady the ship as Portugal navigated the tricky conditions. Despite the early collapse, the visitors maintained their composure to reach the target, finishing on 71/6. The victory marks a successful end to the tour for Portugal, with James’s bowling masterclass and Walker’s steady hand proving the difference in a hard-fought final.
