ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025: Jones reflects on her keeping masterclass in England win

Katie Jones was delighted to deliver a keeping masterclass as England claimed their first win at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025.

Facing Pakistan in Johor, Jones produced three stumpings, a catch and was involved in a runout as England restricted their opponents to 66.

The 19-year-old was then important in the run chase, scoring 20 off 16 balls and hitting the winning six after Pakistan fought back with the ball.

“I was really happy with my performance,” Jones said. “Obviously the batter has to give you the opportunity, but there is a lot of stress in following through with the result and this time luckily I did, so I was really happy with that.

“Being given the opportunity to keep is always a privilege and for me it is just about enjoying it and that is when I keep at my best.

“Annoying is probably a good word for me as a keeper! I am that annoying keeper unfortunately.

“But I just think you just set the tone as the keeper, we are often referred to as the drummer of the band and I think that is what I try and do, try and get the energy, put the batters under pressure and let them know when they need to score some runs!

“I am just going to keep doing what I did today and see where it takes me.”

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Jones was one of four changes to the England XI after their opening match against Ireland was abandoned due to rain.

She took the gloves from Charlotte Stubbs, who kept against Ireland in place of usual keeper Jemima Spence who was carrying a niggle.

With England’s penchant for rotating their team continuing from the 2023 World Cup where they finished as runners-up, Jones knows she is still not sure of her place in the side despite a Player of the Match performance.

However, her strong performance with bat and gloves has put in her good stead for England’s next game against the USA that will decide who finishes top of Group B.

The USA are currently top on net run rate after a comprehensive win over Ireland, who, like Pakistan, are still searching for their first win.

Jones added: “It is brilliant to get our first win as a team and I think it is evident from the fearless cricket we can play and how good we can be when we put our minds to it.

“It just goes to show that all of the hard work we have put in over the winter as a team has paid off and is really nice to see.

“We still don’t know what our best XI is and I think that is really exciting so I imagine there will be some more changes to give everyone the opportunity to prove how good they are.