England Edges India in Thrilling Women's T20I Clash

In a gripping encounter, England edged out India by five runs in the third women's T20 International at the Kia Oval. Despite a strong start from India's openers, England's bowlers turned the tide in the latter stages of the match. With the series still alive, both teams are set to clash again in Manchester. Discover how the match unfolded and the key moments that defined this thrilling contest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2025, 03:02 IST

England Secures Narrow Victory Over India

In a nail-biting finish, England clinched a five-run victory against India in the third women's T20 International, keeping the series competitive. The match unfolded at the Kia Oval on Friday night, where England managed to secure the win despite experiencing a dramatic batting collapse and some lackluster fielding.

Choosing to bat first, England's Sophia Dunkley (75) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (66) set the stage with a formidable 137-run opening partnership. However, the team faced a shocking downfall, losing nine wickets for just 31 runs within 25 balls, ultimately finishing their innings at 171 for nine.

In response, India appeared to be in a strong position with Smriti Mandhana (56) and Shafali Verma (47) contributing to an 85-run opening stand, benefitting from several missed catches by England's fielders.

The turning point came when Lauren Filer (2/30) delivered a crucial spell, dismissing Mandhana in the 16th over, which initiated India's decline. Sophie Ecclestone (1/24), Lauren Bell (1/37), and Issy Wong (1/36) each took a wicket, limiting India to 166 for five in their allotted overs.

With six runs needed off the final delivery, captain Harmanpreet Kaur (23) attempted a big shot but fell to Bell, leaving India just short of victory.

Reflecting on the match, Harmanpreet noted, "We had control until the 16th over but failed to capitalize on our advantage. The dew factor played a role. We performed well in parts, but there are many lessons to take away from this match."

Despite aiming for their first T20I series win against England, India faced a strong challenge from Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge. Dunkley hit seven fours and a six in her 53-ball innings, reaching her fifty in just 35 balls after being dropped at 43.

Wyatt-Hodge, who was also dropped twice in the ninth over, struck seven boundaries and three sixes during her 42-ball innings.

Deepti Sharma (3/27) ended the partnership by dismissing Dunkley in the 16th over, while Arundhati Reddy (3/32) triggered a collapse in the 17th over, taking out Alice Capsey (2), Wyatt-Hodge, and Amy Jones (0).

Capsey was caught by Charani N Shree while attempting a ramp shot off a slower delivery. Shortly after, Wyatt-Hodge hit another slower ball straight to Harmanpreet, and Reddy trapped Jones lbw after a review.

Tammy Beaumont (2) was bowled by Radha Yadav (1/15), while Charani (2/43) dismissed Paige Scholfield (4) and Wong (0). Deepti returned to take out Ecclestone (10) and Filer (0), concluding England's innings.

Chasing a target of 172, India quickly reached 61 runs during the powerplay. Shafali, who was dropped in the second over, scored 47 runs off 25 balls with seven fours before being dismissed by Ecclestone in the ninth over.

Mandhana reached her fifty in 38 balls, but her dismissal to Filer after six consecutive dot balls gave England renewed hope.

Jemimah Rodrigues (20) fell to Filer, while Richa Ghosh, who was dropped by Bell in the 19th over, was caught in the deep off Wong while attempting a big hit.

With India needing 12 runs off the last over, Scholfield dropped Amanjot Kaur, narrowing the requirement to eight runs off four balls. Harmanpreet managed only two runs off the second-to-last delivery before being dismissed on the final ball, allowing England to stay alive in the series.

The two teams will meet again for the fourth match in Manchester on Wednesday.