England saved the five-match Girls’s T20I collection alive with a nail-biting 5-run victory over India within the third T20I on the Kennington Oval on Friday, July 4. After successful the toss and electing to bat, England posted a difficult complete of 171/9 of their 20 overs, largely because of a scintillating opening partnership between Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. India, regardless of a robust begin to their chase, fell simply quick, ending on 166/5. This significant win marks England’s first success within the five-match T20I collection, with India nonetheless main 2-1.
England’s dominant begin and dramatic collapse
England’s innings was a story of two distinct halves: a interval of explosive hitting adopted by a dramatic collapse. Openers Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge set the stage ablaze, showcasing distinctive type and aggressive intent. Their exceptional 137-run partnership laid a formidable basis for England’s complete. Dunkley, who was deservedly named Participant of the Match, was the aggressor, smashing an excellent 75 runs off simply 53 deliveries, an innings punctuated by 7 fours and a well-struck six. Wyatt-Hodge, equally spectacular, supplied wonderful help, hammering 66 runs off a mere 42 balls, together with 7 fours and three towering sixes. Their relentless assault on the Indian bowlers had England wanting set for an enormous complete.
Muscled down the bottom by Wyatt-Hodge 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/NJTY1fXnHh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 4, 2025
Nonetheless, the momentum shifted dramatically as soon as Dunkley departed within the sixteenth over, caught and bowled by Deepti Sharma. Her dismissal triggered a surprising unraveling of England’s innings. From a commanding place, England shockingly misplaced 9 wickets for simply 34 runs within the remaining 5 overs. India’s bowlers, who had been on the again foot, staged a exceptional comeback to limit the harm. Deepti Sharma was the architect of this turnaround, ending with a superb spell of three wickets for 27 runs from her 4 overs. Arundhati Reddy additionally performed an important function within the collapse, claiming 3 wickets for 32 runs. Shree Charani bagged 2 wickets, whereas Radha Yadav chipped in with one dismissal, collectively guaranteeing England didn’t run away with an unassailable rating.
India’s valiant chase falls quick in an exciting end
Chasing 172 for victory, India Girls started their reply with clear intent, mirroring England’s aggressive begin. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma placed on a speedy 85-run stand, preserving India firmly within the hunt. Verma was notably devastating, scoring a quickfire 47 off a mere 25 balls, together with 7 fours and a couple of highly effective sixes, showcasing her explosive batting. Mandhana, ever the anchor, continued her nice type with a well-composed 56 runs off 49 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and preserving the scoreboard ticking.
Nonetheless, the essential dismissal of Shafali Verma marked a shift in momentum, very similar to England’s innings. Regardless of stable contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (20 off 15 balls) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (23 off 17 balls), England’s bowlers tightened their grip within the latter half of the innings. Lauren Filer was instrumental in stifling India’s scoring charge, claiming 2 essential wickets for simply 30 runs from her 4 overs. Lauren Bell additionally picked up a key wicket for 37 runs, whereas Issy Wong secured one wicket for 36 runs, and Sophie Ecclestone was economical along with her 1 wicket for twenty-four runs.
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The match got here right down to a tense remaining over, with India needing 11 runs for victory. England’s bowlers held their nerve beneath strain. The sport culminated in a dramatic remaining ball, with India needing 6 runs. Lauren Bell, entrusted with the final over, delivered, dismissing Kaur and sealing a memorable 5-run victory for England. This thrilling win ensures the collection stays a fascinating contest because it heads into its penultimate match.
THE WINNING MOMENT! 🤩🎉 pic.twitter.com/lZFKKvahLe
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 4, 2025
The collection now strikes to Outdated Trafford for the 4th T20I on Wednesday, July 9, promising one other thrilling chapter on this compelling India Girls tour of England.
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This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Occasions firm.