England Edge Past India in a Last-Ball Nail-Biter to Stay Alive in T20I Series
London, July 5, 2025 – England Women kept their T20I series hopes alive with a sensational 5-run victory over India Women in the third match at The Oval. In a game filled with dropped catches, clutch boundaries, late wickets, and soaring tension, the hosts finally broke their winless streak in the series.
Dunkley-Wyatt Show Sets the Tone
After winning the toss and opting to bat, England got off to a dream start. The opening duo of Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge stitched together a commanding 136-run partnership—the highest for England in T20Is against India. Dunkley’s fluent 75 off 53 balls and Wyatt-Hodge’s explosive 66 off 42 laid the perfect foundation.
Despite a brief collapse in the final overs, with Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy ripping through the middle-order, England managed to post a competitive 171/9 in 20 overs.
Deepti and Radha Create History
India’s bowling effort was not without milestones. Deepti Sharma’s 3-wicket haul elevated her to joint-second in the all-time T20I wicket-takers list, tying with Pakistan’s Nida Dar. Meanwhile, Radha Yadav became only the second Indian woman to reach 100 T20I wickets, joining an elite club.
Arundhati Reddy also impressed with a game-changing triple strike in one over, briefly shifting momentum India’s way.
Mandhana Shines, But England Hold Nerve
In reply, India’s opening duo Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave a powerful start, racing to 61/0 in the powerplay. Mandhana continued her fine form with a gritty 56 off 49, anchoring India’s chase.
The match swung back and forth with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur keeping India in the hunt, while England’s fielders let slip several chances. Yet when it mattered the most, Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell bowled with calm and precision.
Final Over Madness
Needing 12 runs off the final over, India had two set batters at the crease. But under intense pressure:
- Paige Scholfield dropped a sitter.
- Amanjot Kaur smacked a four but was denied strike on the penultimate ball.
- With six needed off the last ball, captain Harmanpreet Kaur holed out to mid-off.
England celebrated a five-run victory, finally opening their account in the series and avoiding a whitewash.
Match Summary:
England Women: 171/9 (20 overs)
- Sophia Dunkley 75 (53), Wyatt-Hodge 66 (42)
- Deepti Sharma 3/26, Arundhati Reddy 3/19
India Women: 166/5 (20 overs)
- Smriti Mandhana 56 (49), Harmanpreet Kaur 27 (21)
- Charlie Dean 1/22, Lauren Filer 2/34
Result: England Women won by 5 runs
Key Takeaways:
- Player of the Match: Sophia Dunkley for her match-defining 75.
- Turning Point: Richa Ghosh’s dismissal in the 19th over shifted momentum.
- Fielding Woes: England dropped five catches but made up for it at the death.
- Series Score: India leads 2-1 with two matches to go.
India will now look to bounce back and seal the series in the fourth T20I on July 9 at Old Trafford. With England rejuvenated and India stung, expect another thriller!