HALF-CENTURIES from Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt helped England to a five-run win over India in their final warm-up match for the Women’s T20 World Cup today.

The pair shared a second-wicket partnership of 70 in Cardiff as Charlotte Edwards’ side bounced back from Monday’s five-wicket defeat by Australia at the same venue.

Opener Jones hit 64 off 45 balls, while captain Sciver-Brunt, making her second appearance since returning from a calf injury, contributed 57 from the same number of deliveries.

Dani Gibson posted an unbeaten 30 from just 12 balls in an England total of 171 for six after India won the toss and elected to field at Sophia Gardens.

India lost two wickets for 18 runs inside three overs of their chase, with Smriti Mandhana caught by Linsey Smith off the bowling of Tilly Corteen-Coleman for one before fellow opener Shafali Verma was clean bowled by Issy Wong for 13.

Richa Ghosh top scored for the tourists with 68 from 36 balls before she and Renuka Singh were removed on consecutive deliveries in the final over as part of a three-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Smith.

Following Singh’s dismissal for a duck, India were all out for 166 with one ball remaining. Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean and Gibson aided the home side’s cause by claiming two wickets apiece.

England begin their home World Cup tomorrow with a Group B match against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, while India take on Pakistan in Group A on Sunday, also in Birmingham.